#Let Her Speak campaign led by journalist Nina Funnell awarded at the mid-year Walkleys

A Mercury campaign to allow sexual assault survivors to speak out under their own names as been recognised by the Walkley Foundation.

THE “power and influence” of a campaign to allow more sexual assault survivors to speak out under their own names as been recognised at the mid-year Walkley Awards.

The Walkley Foundation held its mid-year celebration of journalism on Wednesday night and freelance journalist Nina Funnell took home the Our Watch Award for her work on the #Let Her Speak campaign.

Our Watch is a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children.

In March, legislation passed through Tasmania’s Upper House which will allow more sexual assault survivors to speak out under their own names.

Sexual assault survivor and beneficiary of a scrap in Tasmania's gag laws Grace Tame and Walkley winning journalist Nina Funnell have worked tirelessly to give sexual assault survivors a voice. Picture: Supplied

The sexual assault victim gag-law has been the subject of the #Let Her Speak campaign, launched by the Mercury, news.com.au and NT News in partnership with End Rape On Campus Australia and Marque Lawyers.

Tasmanian survivors like Grace Tame, Tameka Ridgeway and Janelle O’Connor have all shared their powerful stories as part of the campaign.

The Walkley judges said #Let Her Speak was an “exceptionally impressive, impactful multimedia campaign that was evidently the culmination of a comprehensive, co-ordinated investigation.

“The tangible reform outcomes achieved reflect this campaign’s power and influence.”

Ms Funnell said the award was a credit to all of the survivors who have been involved in the campaign.

“From the first time I met them to the time they went on the record was quite some time and watching them find their voices and speak out has been the most impactful part of this process,” she said.

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“The Northern Territory is yet to formally change their legislation – they’ve introduced a draft bill, but that’s all been put on hold because of COVID, but once things resume, the campaign will continue to work closely with the NT Government to ensure those laws get passed.”

Ms Tame said the real victory was in the friendships made and the community strength that had been bolstered.

“They are gifts that keep on giving every single day,” she said.

“The idea for Let Her Speak was first dreamt up by Nina three years ago when she and I started working together. We have faced countless hurdles along the way. But she has never given up. She has never lost faith. That is a testament to her remarkable character, to her unfailing optimism and courage.”