Let Her Speak: Sexual assault survivor Grace Tame praises Government’s proposed reforms

The first female sexual assault survivor to win her right to self-identity in media has expressed her pride in proposed law reforms.

GRACE Tame, the first female sexual assault survivor in Tasmania to win her right to self-identify in media, has praised the Government’s proposed reforms to victim gag-laws, as well as the charge of ‘maintaining a sexual relationship’ with a child.

“It’s really fantastic” said Ms Tame. “This is a positive step forward for justice. I am beyond proud.”

Until August this year, Ms Tame was known in media only as ‘Jane Doe’.

Since winning her right to speak out, she has used her platform to educate others on the warning signs of grooming and the impacts of sexual assault.

#LetHerSpeak: Grace Tame is pictured at her Bellerive home. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“It’s helped me because it has allowed me to see it helping other people which has made it feel worthwhile.”

“SHE IS A HERO TO WOMEN, OPPRESSED PEOPLE”

“PHYSICALLY ILL”: WOMAN’S SEX ABUSE FIGHT

Ms Tame says that the Government’s proposed changes — which will allow survivors to speak out publicly provided they consent — is important for individual healing, raising awareness, and empathy building in the community more broadly.

“The more we see examples of people sharing their stories and receiving a positive reaction the more it encourages other people to also speak out or get help.”

“Allowing survivors to share their insights, especially on the psychological aspects of abuse, will make huge breakthroughs in education.”

IT’S MY STORY, IT SHOULD BE MY RIGHT TO TELL IT

The proposed changes will also require that survivors are over the age of 18 at the time of identification, and are capable of consenting to be named. That authorisation will need to be provided in writing, which adds an additional layer of protection against exploitation.

Talented Tasmanian artist, Grace Tame, won the right to release her name and speak about sexual abuse in August. Picture: PATRICK GEE

These changes are in keeping with the set of recommendations made by Marque Lawyers and End Rape On Campus Australia, which co-created the #LetHerSpeak campaign in November last year.

“The Let Her Speak campaign started as just an idea, then it became an internationally recognised movement, now it’s helping to shape law reform” said Ms Tame.

“One by one, one step at a time, one voice at a time, we can work towards eradicating this criminal culture of abuse”.