#LetHerSpeak: Sexual abuse survivor Grace Tame ‘is a hero to women, and to all oppressed people’

Grace Tame’s story of sexual abuse survival has been met with a huge outpouring of support from everyday Tasmanians, other abuse survivors and celebrities.

SEXUAL assault survivors, celebrities and other Tasmanians have responded with an outpouring of support for Grace Tame following the publication of her horrific story of child sexual abuse in Monday’s Mercury.

In 2010, at age 15, Grace was groomed and repeatedly sexually assaulted by her high school maths teacher, Nicolaas Bester, while a student at St Michael’s Collegiate girls’ school.

For the past nine years Grace has been silenced by Tasmania’s gag laws which prevent all sexual assault survivors from self-identifying in media.

After winning her right to be named in the Supreme Court, On Monday Grace became only the fourth survivor in the state to be able to speak out using her real identity.

HOW GRACE TAME SECURED THE RIGHT TO SHARE HER STORY

Her story has made a powerful impact and the Mercury has been inundated with letters of support.

“As a teacher and a father I found the events described in your article to be beyond abhorrent, but at the same time I was profoundly affected by the strength and fortitude of Ms Tame. She is a hero to women, and to all oppressed people,” said one reader.

“Anger doesn’t begin to describe my feelings for how that man who abused her was dealt with and his pathetic punishment. No words can adequately describe it. However I wanted to thank Grace for her bravery and courage in speaking out,” wrote another.

Tara Moss was one of the first people to get onboard the #LetHerSpeak campaign.

Former Hey Dad! child star and sexual abuse survivor Sarah Monahan has also expressed support saying: “This is fabulous. Everyone deserves to be heard.” And author, model and activist Tara Moss has posted saying: “Thank you for your voice and determination, Grace. And thank you to every other survivor who lent their voice to the #LetHerSpeak campaign, in solidarity with Grace and those who still cannot speak because of antiquated and misguided laws.”

GOVERNMENT OPEN TO LETTING VICTIMS SPEAK

One of those survivors who still cannot speak is Leia*.

In 1993, Leia was abducted, held at knifepoint, bashed and gang raped in a field in Burnie on Christmas Eve. She was just 16 years old.

Leia* is also attempting to gain a court order so she can speak out but so far has been unable to raise the legal funds. It cost Grace about $10,000 to fund her court action.

“I’m so happy for Grace that she can now use her identity because I know she wanted to. I’m over the moon for her, but I’m sad she had to go through the court process because it was such a long process and I’m frustrated that now I have to do the same thing,” she said. “I feel that law reform is moving slowly.”

Steve Fisher, CEO of Beyond Abuse, said Grace’s voice will encourage other victims to come forward and seek support.

“Showing her face humanises her whole story,” he said. “Survivors can educate the public through their own stories, if they are strong enough to tell them, they can help demystify the stages of grooming and the nature of abuse.

“Sexual abuse is a huge problem and these voices break the silence.”

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY SEXUAL ASSAULT, SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING 1800 RESPECT ON 1800 737 732.

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