2024-04-15
In response to Justice Lee’s dismissal of Mr Lehrmann’s defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.
Lines attributable to Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters
“My heart goes out to victim-survivors everywhere today for the trauma they have relived. I am horrified at the damage this defamation case, initiated by a man called a rapist by the judge, has had for victim-survivors everywhere.
“I believe women.
“This case has shown just how inadequate our criminal justice system is in responding to sexual violence. Sexual violence is already underreported and convictions are very rare.
“To change the unacceptable rates of sexual violence and end Australia’s culture of sexual violence, harassment and abuse, we need to support victims to come forward, and dismantle the power imbalances and gender stereotypes that deter them from doing so.
“We must continue to work for gender equality so that all women can be safe. And we must believe women."