
This post deals with sexual abuse and assault and might be triggering for some readers.
It’s been dubbed Australia’s own #MeToo movement.
From Christian Porter’s categorical denial that he raped a girl when he was a teenager, to Grace Tame’s National Press Club speech on the power of survivors speaking up - both of which happened on the same day - stories of sexual assault are receiving unprecedented coverage in Australian right now.
It’s resulted in two cabinet ministers, entangled in separate alleged rape scandals, going on medical leave amid mounting pressure to stand down.
It’s also resulted in a lot of trauma for a lot of survivors.
Every day, 24 hours a day, the operators at 1800RESPECT speak to hundreds of traumatised survivors about their lived experiences, often including rape and abuse.
As the last few weeks have unfolded, they’ve provided an empathetic ear to the trauma of Australians - many of whom have been triggered, others who have been inspired.
Watch: The Hidden Numbers of women and violence. Post continues below.
Speaking to Mamamia, Melonie Sheehan, the National Governance and Stakeholder Engagement Manager for 1800RESPECT, says it is typical for the national sexual assault and domestic violence counselling service to receive an increase in the volume of calls during high-profile sexual assault allegations and accounts.
“We're seeing a lot of callers who are calling in because the media reporting has brought up painful and distressing memories of past or present violence in their life,” Sheehan explains.
“When it's constantly in the media and we constantly hear it in the car or at home or on the TV or on the radio or on our news feed, it's a constant reminder of vulnerability and worry and fear, which can trigger night terrors and impact one’s sleep cycle, health and nutrition cycle.
“The impacts of trauma affect a whole person's being.”
Sheehan adds that the narrative revolving around Attorney-General Christian Porter has been particularly traumatic for many people with lived experiences who have called the counselling service.
“Some people might have not been believed when they were brave enough to share their story and to seek help and to voice what happened to them, so that would absolutely bring up painful and distressing memories of past violence,” Sheehan says.
Those most likely to be triggered right now are the victim-survivors who aren’t ready to share their story.