Gang rape victim Janelle O’Connor becomes first Tasmanian to reveal her identity after S194k reform

Gang rape victim Janelle O’Connor has become the first sexual assault survivor in Tasmania to speak out since the state’s archaic gag laws were changed.

Janelle O’Connor has become the first person in Tasmania to exercise her right to be named as a rape survivor, under new laws which no longer criminalise sexual assault victims who wish to publicly self-identify.

Since 2018, the Mercury has been driving the #LetHerSpeak campaign to reform the state’s archaic victim gag laws, in partnership with End Rape On Campus Australia, Marque Lawyers and news.com.au.

HISTORIC CHANGE POWERED BY SURVIVORS

Previously, the campaign successfully funded two women — Grace Tame and Tameka Ridgeway — to take their individual fights to be named to the Supreme Court of Tasmania.

The legislation has now been amended, allowing sexual assault survivors to use their real names in media — provided they are over 18, consent to be named in writing, and there are no other outstanding legal issues.

Gang rape victim Janelle O’Connor can finally share her story after being silenced for 27 year. Picture: David Caird

Ms O’Connor, who first joined the campaign in late 2018, was just 16 years old when she was abducted, bashed and gang-raped on Christmas Eve, 1993.

For the past 27 years, her identity has been suppressed.

Ms O’Connor now intends to write a book about her life, and is relieved to be able to finally reveal her identity.

“Not being able to speak under my real name has been really frustrating,” she said.

“It’s heartbreaking because you want to be able to talk to people and share what you’ve been through.

“So it feels amazing to be part of this law reform. For me, it means freedom to talk about my story and use my identity.

“I grew up knowing a lot of people who were sexually abused and molested. And I guess if they see me doing this it will help them come forward. At the end of the day it’s about supporting one another.

“Through sharing our stories we can come together and get through this.”

Nina Funnell is the creator of the #LetHerSpeak campaign, in partnership with End Rape On Campus Australia and Marque Lawyers. This reporting was partly funded with assistance from a Walkley Grant for Freelance Journalism.