How to deal with headlines dominated by sexual assault news

Allegations of sexual assault have been swirling around Parliament for weeks, rightfully shattering the ‘what happens in Canberra, stays in Canberra’ trope. 

Karen Hogan from Sexual Assault Services said she’s spoken to survivors who are pleased issues of sexual assault “are being taken seriously.”

However, she said the perpetual reporting of these allegations could induce trauma for some survivors.

“It’s not just on the TV or on the radio anymore. With social media, it can feel like it’s everywhere,” Ms Hogan said. 

“Some survivors might not have told anybody about what’s happened to them and this can be challenging,” she added.

In the past few weeks, Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins, and several other women, have come forward and alleged they were raped by a senior Liberal staffer.  Following these allegations, an anonymous letter was sent to several members of Parliament last week, alleging a 16-year-old girl was raped in 1988 by a man who is now a Minister in the federal government.

NSW Police announced their investigation into the matter was closed yesterday, with the woman having taken her own life last June.

Dr Michael Salter is an expert in child sexual exploitation and gendered violence at the University of NSW.  He said in the past few weeks there’s been a sense of hopelessness among survivors that victims of sexual assault are being abandoned by various authorities.

Feeling uneasy about these stories? Here’s what you can do

If the news is affecting you, switch it off. Limit your exposure and don’t hesitate to reach out to support services or someone you trust to talk about it.

Contact Lifeline, Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.