DPP pursued disorderly behaviour charge against woman despite sexual assault

Cecelia describes being held down by police, when her shirt came off. What she can remember, she says – “I was in a daze, I was just confused and then all of a sudden I was surrounded by all this transit mob … I just felt really disgusted.”

Cecelia was not breaking the law.

Cecelia was the victim of sexual assault just moments before trying to enter onto a bus to get to safety.

Cecelia’s outburst has resulted in her being charged with disorderly behaviour in a public place.

Trauma should NEVER be criminalised in the justice system. Sexual assaults are one of the most underreported forms of violence against women in Australia. Without safe and trauma informed responses by first responders, women are at risk of institutional violence and trauma.

Our responses matter. Women matter. Stories matter.  

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