Crowd hears powerful statement by alleged rape victim at Cairns rally

The woman allegedly gang raped during a home invasion in Far North Queensland has written a powerful statement spoken by her friend to 500 people including politicians, demanding change.

Organisers Emily Cocks-Wheeler, Allissa Tenni and Brynie Rosser-Guyatt stand shoulder to shoulder at the Rally for Justice protest. Picture: Brendan Radke

The woman allegedly gang raped during a home invasion in Far North Queensland has written a powerful statement spoken by her friend to 500 people including politicians, demanding change.

Hundreds of survivors and fed-up residents gathered to rally against sexual violence and escalating crime rates on Sunday.

A crowd of about 500 people swarmed the Cairns Esplanade to share their stories and observe a minute of silence for victims of crime and sexual assault.

A statement written by a woman who police allege was raped by three juveniles in a home invasion in Cairns on February 21 was read to the crowd.

Politicians later condemned the alleged attack.

“This is a big and complex issue, and it’s hard to know what to say so soon,” the statement read.

“So I’ll start with saying that sexual violence has devastating impacts for victims and survivors, and for families.

“It should not have happened to anyone.

“It should never happen again.

“But, until we start talking about all the parts of accountability and justice, sadly, it might.

“People are worried for their safety, and the community is grieving, angry, and scared. These feelings are real and valid.

“Great harm has been done.”

The woman said “accountability” had been “significantly decreased”.

“To me, it means that sexual violence ... is highly gendered and primarily committed against women. It means that perpetrators of sexual violence are held responsible ... and it’s not just about accountability and justice, it’s also about putting evidence-based policies in place for community-led diversion programs that stop this before it starts.

“It’s about justice programs that include historic injustice, and it’s about seriously tackling the societal issues that lead to people’s offences.

“I don’t believe we can just jail our way out of this if we truly want a safe and just community. True justice goes beyond retribution.

“It is about fairness, accountability, and creating a society where harm is not just punished, it is prevented.”

About 500 fed up Cairns residents gathered on the Esplanade at noon on Sunday for the rally. Picture: Brendan Radke

The rally was led by Cairns women and sexual assault survivors Emily Cocks-Wheeler, Allissa Tenni and Brynie Rosser-Guyatt.

Another survivor, among many who shared their stories, revealed that after repeated home invasions she was now too scared to walk around her suburb.

“I have been raped in this city … I’ve had my home invaded,” she said.

“I have had a group of little boys hassle me in the park … I thought they were going to kick me over and rape me right there.

“What I have seen in the last three years would make your blood curdle.”

The woman and fellow speakers called for radical changes to the justice system and the way society approached crime, with many in the crowd calling for policies such as relocation sentencing, castle law and legalising self- defence weapons such as pepper spray.

Crowd members held placards. Picture: Brendan Radke

Gwenn Henderson was one of the hundreds of supporters calling for preventative policies such as removing problem children from dangerous homes.

“I have a daughter … who has been spit in her face outside the shops … these kids try and accost her everytime she goes for a walk,” she said.

“These kids are in very dangerous homes and that’s where the damage is being done.

“We need to take them out and instil some manners and rules.”

A number of councillors and politicians also took the opportunity to speak at the event, drawing mixed reactions from the crowd.

Cairns mayor Amy Eden, deputy mayor Brett Olds and Barron River MP Bree James were among the leaders who delivered impassioned speeches at the event.

Ms James was interrupted several times during her speech with crowd members demanding the Crisafulli government support castle law legislation.

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter spoke about the introduction of castle law. Picture: Brendan Radke

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter drew loud cheers when he called for the introduction of legislation that would enable homeowners to protect themselves and use force if necessary during home invasions.

Many young adults also attended the rally, saying they just wanted to feel safe in their city and pleaded with politicians to drive more change.

“They (politicians) make empty promises … In one way or another we want to get out voices heard,” one teenager said.

“I will scream until my throat is bloody and raw.”

Originally published as Crowd hears powerful statement by alleged rape victim at Cairns rally