Self blame and a reporting process that is not victim focused: Armstrong Creek woman shares ordeal of alleged sexual assault

Mikaylah East had been in a state of denial about her alleged sexual assault. Now, the victim-survivor is sharing her story.

Survivor Mikaylah East. Picture: Brad Fleet

When Mikaylah East was allegedly sexually assaulted in 2019, she says she blamed herself.

The Armstrong Creek resident said she didn’t report the incident until 2021 because of being in denial, with her brain “fighting itself”.

“I pushed it away,” the now 23-year-old said.

“I just thought I was uncomfortable with what happened, but I didn’t really want to accept that what happened was rape.

“I couldn’t even comprehend the fact that I was in that situation, and for a really long time as well, I blamed myself for putting myself in that situation.”

Survivor Mikaylah East. Picture: Brad Fleet

Ms East said, with the help of therapy, she was able to realise what happened wasn’t her fault.

But reporting the alleged assault was still “really scary”.

“Going into the (police station) … was very daunting,” she said.

“And then sitting in a room and discussing the worst thing that’s ever happened to me with a complete stranger – and that stranger was a man as well, who I didn’t know – was just something that I couldn’t bring myself to do for two years.

“(The reporting process) is definitely not aimed toward victims, and it’s very clinical as well.

“I left feeling really flat and just invalidated.

“It’s just a very strange experience.”

For other victim-survivors, Ms East said surrounding yourself with people who validate you and your experience was vitally important.

“Whatever you need, you’re allowed to take that,” she said.

“When you’re trying to heal, taking back that agency and taking back that choice is a massive thing that really helps.

“Healing is so different for every single person.

Mikaylah East. Picture: Brad Fleet

“I wouldn’t want anyone to expect it to be linear … (and) try not to compare yourself with other people.”

April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which Ms East said was important to make sure progress didn’t “stall”.

Ms East also founded the Imperative Project Australia, a consent advocacy and education organisation aimed at giving young people in Geelong and surrounding areas better understanding of consent.

She is hoping to speak at local schools to spread awareness and education.

Helen Bolton, chief executive of the Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre in Geelong West, said preventing sexual violence required many types of actions and initiatives.

According to a recently released data, one-third of Australians surveyed thought women used sexual assault claims as retribution and nearly one in four believed women made allegations because they regretted consensual sex.

But Ms Bolton said these persistent myths must be addressed.

“We should never blame a victim for what happened to them – sexual violence is an action that one person chooses to inflict harm on another,” she said.

“We all have a responsibility in coming together to support victims of sexual assault, remove stigma and shame, and challenge harmful attitudes and beliefs that lead to sexual violence.”

If you or someone you know needs support for sexual and family violence, contact The SAFV Centre on 03 5222 4318 or [e-mail] for support in the Barwon area.

For support after hours, weekends and public holidays contact the Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 Hours) on 1800 806 292 or safe steps on 1800 015 188.

For more information visit www.imperativeprojectaus.org/ and www.safvcentre.org.au/

Originally published as Self blame and a reporting process that is not victim focused: Armstrong Creek woman shares ordeal of alleged sexual assault