


Brian Otieno
Oct 31, 2024
Australia
Categories:
#SexualSurvivor #MeToo #SexualAssault #SexualAbuse
Grace Tame, the 2021 Australian of the Year, is a powerful advocate for survivors of sexual assault. For many years, she was known only as "Jane Doe," legally silenced from sharing her own story of survival. This changed in August 2019 with the #LetHerSpeak campaign, which successfully fought for her right to self-identify as a rape survivor. “To have my truth back means regaining my sense of self,” she reflects, emphasizing that reclaiming her voice has fueled her mission to protect others and shift the shame away from survivors to the perpetrators.
Grace’s story began when she was just 15 years old. Her abuser, a 58-year-old teacher, received a mere 34-month prison sentence but was released on parole after serving only 19 months. For years, he boasted about the abuse while Grace felt trapped in silence. In 2017, she contacted journalist and survivor advocate Nina Funnell, which led to the revelation of Tasmania's Section 194K of the Evidence Act. This law prevented survivors from discussing their experiences, prompting Nina to launch the #LetHerSpeak campaign in partnership with legal advocates and survivor organizations.
The campaign gained global attention, drawing support from celebrities and leaders of the #MeToo movement. Within two weeks, they collected over 5,000 signatures on a petition for law reform. Grace was astounded by the outpouring of community support, stating, “That kind of power has no limits.” In August 2019, she became the first Tasmanian woman to be granted an exemption to speak about her experience. In early 2020, the Tasmanian government amended the law, allowing survivors to tell their stories without fear.
Grace's advocacy has not only changed laws but also redefined the language surrounding sexual abuse, shifting terms like “maintaining a sexual relationship with a person under the age of 17” to “persistent sexual abuse of a child.” This change reflects the gravity of such crimes, empowering survivors to share their experiences.
Through her journey, Grace inspires others by emphasizing the importance of sharing stories for healing and education. “Not having a voice is very disheartening,” she says. “It’s through our stories that we learn, heal, grow, and educate others.” She encourages survivors to prioritize their well-being, illustrating her resilience through self-care practices like running marathons and setting boundaries in her support work.
Looking ahead, Grace is determined to focus on prevention, advocating for a community approach to end sexual violence, especially against children. “We’re moving towards the goal of ending sexual violence, and I believe together we can achieve this,” she says. Her story is a beacon of hope, showing that reclaiming one’s voice can lead to monumental change for individuals and entire communities. Grace Tame’s journey inspires us to stand up, speak out, and advocate for a future free from violence.
Here are ten simple and practical ways to be a change leader in your community inspired by Grace Tame's story.
1. Create Safe Spaces for Sharing: Organize informal gatherings where community members can share their stories and experiences in a supportive environment. This can help foster healing and understanding among survivors.
2. Start a Community Awareness Campaign: Use social media platforms or community bulletin boards to share information about consent and healthy relationships. Engaging graphics or personal stories can help spread awareness effectively.
3. Host Free Workshops: Collaborate with local leaders or knowledgeable individuals to hold self-defense, mental health, and resilience workshops. You can even do this at local parks or community centers.
4. Form a Support Group: Create a peer-led support group for survivors or individuals facing similar challenges. This space can encourage sharing, healing, and empowerment through collective experiences.
5. Engage Local Schools: Approach schools to introduce discussions on consent, respect, and emotional well-being in their curricula. You can volunteer to lead these discussions or provide resources.
6. Promote Volunteerism: Encourage community members to volunteer their time and skills to support local shelters or organizations working with survivors. A little time can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
7. Create Art for Awareness: Use art to express stories and raise awareness. This could include community murals, poetry readings, or performances focused on themes of resilience and empowerment.
8. Start a Book Club: Launch a book club focusing on literature exploring survival, empowerment, and resilience themes. Discussions can deepen understanding and inspire community action.
9. Organize Community Walks: Plan regular walks or runs to raise awareness about sexual violence and promote physical health. These events can bring people together and encourage open conversations.
10. Be a Listening Ear: Make yourself available to listen to others in your community. Sometimes, being there to hear someone’s story can be incredibly powerful and encourage others to share their experiences.
These actions can help create a culture of support, understanding, and empowerment in your community, inspiring others to join you in making a positive difference.
Photo Credit: Mika Baumeister on Unsplash.
Source:
Source:

Catalog #:
1025.113.06.103124