NT Government set to repeal laws gagging sexual assault survivors

The NT is set to follow Tasmania in repealing strict laws that gag sexual assault survivors from telling their story publicly.

Journalist and #LetHerSpeak campaigner Nina Funnell, right, helped Tasmanian Grace Tame, left, win the right to speak publicly about suviving sexual assault. Picture: Patrick Gee

THE Territory Government is set to follow Tasmania in repealing strict laws that gag sexual assault survivors from telling their story publicly, the NT News can reveal.

On Sunday, Tasmanian Attorney-General Elise Archer unveiled details of that state’s plans to overhaul legislation that prohibits survivors from being named in the media, even with their consent.

The NT is the only other jurisdiction where survivors must obtain a court order to be identified publicly and yesterday Territory Attorney-General Natasha Fyles said the government was also working towards removing the barrier.

“I understand that other jurisdictions have provisions that permit the publication of identifying details with a complainant’s consent,” she said.

“We are also looking at the NT’s current provisions and working towards legislative change.”

Ms Fyles said while the law should protect victims’ privacy, “we can appreciate that there may be victims who want to tell their stories and therefore waive the prohibition on publication”.

The reform follows the #LetHerSpeak campaign spearheaded by End Rape On Campus Australia and its creator, Nina Funnell, welcomed the review of the “archaic” law.

“The #LetHerSpeak campaign is currently working with two sexual assault survivors in the Territory who wish to be named but cannot without risk of prosecution to themselves or others,” she said.

“(Current laws) gag victims en masse, silence them, which in turn increases stigma and community misinformation about sexual assault.”

#LetHerSpeak has attracted support from around the world and Ms Funnell said more than 7000 people had signed a petition in support of the campaign.

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“While not all survivors will want to be identified, and this must remain their right to choose and control, for those who do want to be named, it’s important they have that option,” she said.

“Speaking out can be healing for survivors as it allows them to reclaim a sense of control over their experience.

“Survivors can also play a crucial role in educating the public on issues such as the causes and impacts of sexual assault.”