Wednesday, 15 September 2021

Mr GRIMLEY (Western Victoria)

Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September:

Recently there was a story published in the Age titled, ‘Besmirching the “good bloke”: rape survivor speaks out’.

This was a story all too familiar for many women who have been in an abusive relationship. The woman in this story has been silenced by the court, taking away her right to speak of the abuse she had received at the hands of her husband.

Often these crimes happen behind closed doors unbeknownst to friends, family, and the broader community. The victims usually suffer in silence, they don’t seek support, they feel trapped, and they live in constant fear.

It takes a lot of courage for a person to come forward and seek assistance when they are a victim of family violence and sexual abuse.

It’s imperative that we support women when they do come forward to seek help to escape their abusive relationship or report on abuse.

However, time after time when cases are brought before Victorian courts the perpetrator is given anonymity through a suppression order.

Herein lies the issue: in 2020 Victoria held more than half of the country’s suppression orders. That is 493 out of 903. It is shameful that these people who commit such heinous crimes against women are given protection by the courts.

We must give victim-survivors the right to tell their story, or to choose for themselves if they want to have their cases public.

For too long in Victoria, we have been protecting perpetrators from public scrutiny and for too long we have failed to support victims in the courts. Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party will always put the rights of victims first.