Editorial: A vital stand for justice

Our message at the Mercuryis simple: sexual assault and sexual abuse are abhorrent crimes. Any change which makes it less likely that things of this nature occur in our society should be welcomed.

Tasmanian survivor Grace Tame and journalist Nina Funnell. Picture: PATRICK GEE

OFTEN in journalism we are forced to stand up for freedom of speech in circumstances where the only valid argument is: we don’t agree with what is being said, but we believe in a person’s right to say it.

Today, the Mercury is in the fortuitous position of standing up for free speech in circumstances where the people speaking out have an undeniable right to tell their story.

HISTORIC CHANGE POWERED BY ADVOCATES

As reported on the Mercury website, after the #LetHerSpeak campaign, the Tasmanian State Government has amended existing legislation which previously barred victims of sexual abuse and assault from self-identifying and making their stories public.

The changes will mean if a person who has been a victim of a sex crime provides written consent, the media will be able to help them make their story public.

The significance of these changes and the bravery of the group of people who brought them about should not be understated.

Journalist Nina Furnell must be thanked and celebrated for the tenacious, decent and accurate way she has pursued this issue.

And the bravery of the women who have told their stories in these pages will forever be etched in the history of our state.

SILENCE BROKEN: RAPE SURVIVOR SHARES HER STORY

Much has been written about what this will mean. However, one fact which has not often rated a mention is the role stories such as these can play in uncovering recidivist offenders. How many times have we seen an offender be named, and almost overnight a cascade of similar allegations follow?

While some may argue this could lead to a prejudicial trial, we must remember our legal system has a remarkable number of checks and balances in place to ensure objectivity and procedural fairness.

But, if victims are never able to speak, never able to put their face next to their story, the signal we send to those who have suffered at the hands of the same serial abuser is: society does not believe you are entitled to a voice.

It is worthwhile to restate the words of Jannelle O’Connor, as her voice carries a legitimacy and an authenticity which cannot be mimicked or recreated, and shows why these legislative changes were necessary and essential.

“Don’t be ashamed of your story. Never ever feel ashamed if you’ve been sexually abused, molested as a child, or beaten,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Speak up. Find someone to talk to, because you can get through it. It’s hard, but with the right support you can live on and have a good life.

“Twenty-seven years later here I am. Those men don’t hurt me anymore. I took that power back from them. I took my own power back.”

VICTIM FREE TO SPEAK AFTER LAW REFORM

Our message at the Mercury is simple: sexual assault and sexual abuse are abhorrent crimes.

Any change which makes it less likely that things of this nature occur in our society should be welcomed.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual assault or family violence call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.