Disabled woman ‘traumatised’ after assault at International Women’s Day rally

A disabled woman who was “violently attacked” at a protest supporting controversial academic Holly Lawford-Smith has been left traumatised.

Paisley Semrauhas been left "traumatised" after she was attacked at a recent protest. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

A disabled woman who was “violently attacked” at a protest says she has been left traumatised by the incident.

Paisley Semrau, 27, who attended the International Women’s Day rally on March 8 on Bourke St about 3.30pm, said she suffered several injuries after she was assaulted by a man who kicked her mobility aid from under her and pushed her onto the ground.

Ms Semrau, who has several mobility issues after suffering a brain tumour, said she was supporting academic Holly Lawford-Smith at the rally, who launched the “No Conflict They Said” website in February – asking women to share “how your use of women-only spaces has been impacted”.

“Some of our group were carrying signs supportive of Holly and condemning attempts to censor her, but this is academic freedom,” she said.

“A man who was a trans activist but didn’t appear to be trans was carrying a sign which said ‘trans women are my sisters’ had come up from behind me and kicked my walking stick out from under me then pushed me and I fell straight to the ground.”

Woman attacked at protest

Ms Semrau said the assault had left her with several injuries.

“I had several bruises and grazes on my legs, I could barely walk for a week – it was really horrible.”

She said the incident had left her traumatised and reported it to police.

“No one has the right to be violently attacked, especially at what is meant to be a peaceful rally.

“I didn’t attend the recent Melbourne Uni protest out of fear of further violence.

“When you attack women in the street for expressing their views, it’s the reason why things like Holly’s website are necessary.”

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police had received a report of an assault at a protest in Melbourne’s CBD on March 8.

Ms Semrau said she was supporting University of Melbourne lecturer Holly Lawford-Smith. Picture: David Geraghty.

“Investigators have been told a 27-year-old woman was assaulted by an unknown man on Bourke St about 3.30pm,” the spokeswoman said.

“The woman sustained minor physical injuries and reported the incident to police the next day.”

The investigation remains ongoing and police urge any witnesses to come forward.

Earlier this month, the Herald Sun revealed footage of a heated protest at the University of Melbourne ­between the Queer Political Action Collective and Ms Lawford-Smith’s supporters, which showed women being verbally abused and having water thrown at them.

An open letter describing the website as “transphobic” was signed by dozens of ­academics, including staff from the University of Melbourne and other universities.

Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell said in February the university was “absolutely committed” to diversity, ­inclusion and the wellbeing of its community.

“Freedom of speech is part of the bedrock of the University of Melbourne and we have a strong policy to guide our obligations around freedom of ­expression to ensure we ­remain respectful, fair and lawful,” he said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.