2018-08-02
Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault
Tonight’s 7.30 program covered a story about how the Greens mishandled complaints of sexual violence by men towards women within our party.
I was devastated when I learnt about the serious allegations of sexual violence by members of our party. To the women involved, on behalf of our party, I am deeply sorry that you felt alone and unsupported. You had the courage to come forward and you deserved better.
Every person who shares our vision for the future must be able to participate in our grassroots movement knowing that they are doing so in a safe environment, one where women are valued and empowered to make change, where we acknowledge and tackle gender inequality within our party and in society.
Whenever someone experiences sexual harassment, assault, violence or other forms of discrimination, they are entitled to feel let down by the workplace, organisation or community in which this occurred. Everyone should expect to feel safe in all aspects of their lives.
To our members, volunteers and supporters, I want to make it very clear that we are committed to making this a safe and inclusive movement for all.
Over the last twelve months, we’ve worked with our federal MPs, Office Bearers, women’s working groups and experts in the field to reform and strengthen our national policies and processes. Our party is rolling out mandatory independent training for party officials, staff and MPs, is providing clear pathways to support women to make complaints, and is committed to responding to claims in a way that is timely, sensitive and respectful. It is devastating that recent events have shown that we have still let women down. This is not good enough. Right now we have to take responsibility, we need to learn from this and we need to do better.
So much in our society needs to change for women to feel safe, valued and respected and that change must begin with all of us, I include myself in this. As a man, I can never truly understand the visceral, personal and terrifying nature of the things women experience in their everyday lives. But as men, what we can do is listen and learn.
Too often in this world, women are not believed when they come forward to speak about their experiences. We need to ensure that women know they will be believed, that their claims will be investigated and that justice will be done.
Richard
_____
You can read the statement made by the Australian Greens here: https://greens.org.au/news/statement-australian-greens-co-convenors
If you are being harassed, feel uncomfortable or have concerns for your safety or the safety of others, please contact the National Manager on national.manager@greens.org.au, the National Co-Convenors on convenor@greens.org.au or call the National Office on 1800 017 011.
And of course, if you, or someone you know, needs support or advice you can contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.