The new Victorian law prevents survivors whose attackers have been found guilty from using their real names in the media.
If they do, they could face an $3000 fine or four months’ jail.
Victim-survivors raised concerns about their ability to share their stories in April, but it wasn't until five months later that they received a reply from Victorian Attorney-General Jill Hennessy.
Last week, Ms Hennessy announced reforms would be fast-tracked to streamline processes for victim-survivors who wished to speak out.
This change will mean most victims will no longer require a court order to tell their stories if they have given informed consent to being identified.
‘‘These laws provide an important protection to maintain the privacy of sexual offence victims and help ensure they are not exposed to additional distress; they were never intended to inhibit willing victim-survivors being able to speak out and share their stories,’’ Ms Hennessy said.
The Riverine Herald stands in solidarity with the #LetUsSpeak campaign, formed in partnership with End Rape On Campus Australia, Rape and Sexual Assault Research and Advocacy and Marque Lawyers, to have this law overturned.
We were contacted by four brave women who suffered sexual assault and support the push to stop silencing survivors.
These are their stories.
#LetUsSpeak: My father got 10 years for sexually abusing me
#LetUsSpeak: gag law fails every sex assault victim
#LetUsSpeak: My mother didn’t believe I was raped
#LetUsSpeak: Hundreds in Campaspe seeking sexual assault counselling
#LetUsSpeak: I was blamed for being raped
- If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or domestic violence, call the National Sexual Assault, or CASA on 5441 0430 or visit casacv.org.au
- If you feel unsafe or are concerned for someone’s safety, call 000 or contact police.
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