‘Major victory’ for paedophiles as baffling law is passed that could see rape and sexual assault victims thrown into JAIL just for telling their stories

• Victorian sexual assault survivors could face prison time for telling their stories
• A law change in February prevents them from using their real names publicly
• The law is retrospective and applies when an offender has been found guilty
• Breaches can result in up to four months in prison or fines exceeding $3000
• A #LetUsSpeak campaign has been launched as victims fight for a law reform
• Do you know more? Contact Tita.smith@mailonline.com

By Tita Smith | 25 August 2020

DAILY MAIL — Victorian [Australia] sexual assault survivors could be jailed for up to four months or face fines exceeding $3,000 for telling their stories using their real names.

The Judicial Proceedings Reports Act was changed in February, prohibiting victims from identifying themselves publicly if their attacker has been found guilty.

The new law applies retrospectively, meaning victims who have lawfully spoken out previously are now censored from speaking out publicly. Media outlets who defy the law can also be prosecuted and face fines of up to $8,000.

The only way for victims to identify themselves and tell their stories is to obtain a court order – which is not only time consuming, but would cost more than $10,000 in legal fees. […]