Kia kaha tō reo, Chanel Miller

Sexual violence is never ok. In some situations, and legal processes, perpetrators of sexual violence are let off the hook. This happened in the case of Brock Turner, who in 2016 was given minimum time for rape. This week, his survivor came forward and named herself. Chanel Miller has used her voice to talk about her own experience of sexual violence. 

Miller's perseverance gives hope to many survivors that they can rise above their past experiences. Her courage to make herself known to the public shows that being a survivor of sexual assault is not something to be ashamed of and it doesn't define you.

Individual stories can allow us to connect with the reality within the statistics, and can play an important role in survivors’ work to change systems which failed them. Chanel’s decision to be open about her story comes shortly after another success for survivors’ ability to choose how to respond to their assaults. After two years of the #LetHerSpeak campaign, Grace Tame has convinced Tasmania’s Government to change their gag law which had prevented survivors from sharing their stories on their terms. While no one is ever obligated to share their story, having the freedom to do so is key to creating a survivor-centered system.

Thursdays in Black Otago acknowledges the bravery that it takes to come forward and share your story. Kia kaha tō reo, be brave and use your voice. Chanel has used her voice, and her story to raise awareness for the issue of sexual violence. 

But Chanel and Grace’s stories aren’t the only ones. The ‘In Our Own Words’ report found that 53% of people experienced some form of sexual assault during their time in tertiary education. We need better. We deserve better. We thank Chanel Miller and Grace Tame for their bravery in sharing their story. We call on institutions to step up, take charge and lead the way towards a world free from rape and sexual violence.