My Body. My Story. My Rules.

Trigger warning: sexual assault, sexual abuse

I can’t believe that this is a discussion that needs to be had. I can’t believe that imploring our government to own our stories—stories that we didn’t ask for, but had them thrust upon us—is an idea that we need to toy with; a narrative that has become a part of us. But here we are, in 2020, doing just that.

Yesterday, Wednesday August 26, saw the Victorian Government pass legislation stating that sexual assault victims can no longer speak publicly on their attacks and use their own name. If they do, they risk being heavily fined or, yep—even imprisoned. Take a moment and just let that sink in… Take a moment and think about the logic behind this legislation. Lost for words? Unable to grasp the sheer depravity of it all? That makes two of us.

Now, logic and common sense tell us that this has to be some kind of misinformation whirlpool gone wrong?! That the media reporting about this surely got the story twisted… That there is no possible way that this is actually truth! But it is truth and, for those of us living in Victoria, this is our truth. Similar to those that have been sexually assaulted, a truth that was not asked for but that has been thrust upon them, these victims.

What is the Victorian Government trying to prove? Or rather, what is the Victorian Government trying to hide and why? Why is the Victorian Government wanting to silence the victims, and protect the identities of the people that caused such pain?

Survivors have experienced enough heartache. Victims have experienced enough pain. It is only fair and right and just that they have the autonomy to speak their truths without further agony. And as I sit here and write and shed tears of frustration and anger and dismay and hurt onto my keyboard, I implore everyone to stop and really let this information sink in. This isn’t a fable, this is real life. Our real lives, and something needs to be done.

This is not the time to be complacent with these facts. This is not the time to sit idly by and think “This is someone else’s problem.” We, as a society, need to take action—proper action. Sign the petition, share the information, make your voices heard, continue the conversations, question the patriarchy and allow the nonsense to stop.

Our body. Our stories. Our rules.

EDIT: After the announcement/posting this, I was informed by a dear friend that these laws are currently being reviewed. Watch this space.