Sexual assault survivors are furious at new laws 'quietly' introduced in Victoria which effectively silence them from speaking publicly about the crimes done to them. The legislation was brought in in February, according to survivors advocate and journalist Nina Funnell. A new campaign hopes to overturn it.
Ms Funnell says the changes to the Judicial Proceedings Reports Act prevent a sexual abuse or family violence victim from using their real name when speaking to the media about what they've endured.
Previously, they've been allowed to unveil their identity at their discretion, but now they'll need a court to lift a ban on their name if they wish to speak publicly about what happened.
This means people who have previously been able to tell their stories, like the ones who survived sexual abuse from clergy members in Ballarat, will be punished if they continue.
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Nina Funnell says the maximum punishment for those who break the new rule can face up to four months in jail and a fine of more than $3,000.
She was instrumental in overturning similar rules introduced in Tasmania and the Northern Territory and hopes to do the same for Victoria.
The survivors advocate has started a petition on GoFundMe after launching the #LetUsSpeak campaign, which has raised more than $50,000.
She wrote: "The Ballarat survivors, victims of clergy abuse, and other public survivor advocates are among those who have lost the right to speak and could now face contempt of court if they continue their campaigns or media work.
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"As a result of the new laws, these survivors and others are now being forced to return to court at their own expense and inconvenience, to obtain court orders to speak publicly about their cases. This can and is costing survivors thousands of dollars."
News Corp says the fees can sometimes be upwards of $10,000 to obtain a court order.
The Victorian government has responded to the outcry over the new changes and says they were made to help make it easier for survivors.
Attorney-General Jill Hennessy said: "I acknowledge the strength and resilience of victims who come forward and tell their stories - it is an incredibly brave and difficult thing to do.
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"The changes that took effect in February were about reducing barriers and improving clarity for victims who want to talk about their experiences, not about introducing new restrictions for survivors who want to go public with their story.
"I remain concerned about the barriers, both cultural and legal, that continue to exist for victims of sexual assault."
She has promised to get the justice department to look into whether the legislation can be amended to help survivors.
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