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Something’s not right

Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

Does anyone else feel overwhelmed by the amount of content coming out about sexual harrassment in the past few weeks?

I understand that conversation around these issues is important, and that the culture in Parliament House, for example, is a matter of national importance, but at some point it becomes emotionally exhausting to be exposed to it so often.

The ABC News Australia YouTube channel, for example, is a resource I go to every day. In the past forty-eight hours, they have released the following videos about sexual harrassment. Get this...

  • Craig Kelly accused of ignoring concerns raised about his trusted advisor, Frank Zumbo.
  • Penny Wong joins Laura Tingle to discuss the PM's "avoidance of accountability."
  • Christian Porter to lose Attorney-General job...
  • Industry Minister Karen Andrews speaks on the non-inclusive culture at Parliament House.
  • Senator Eric Abetz accused of "[...]-shaming" Brittany Higgins.
  • Scott Morrison apologises to News Corp journalist for "insensitive" harassment response.
  • Assault survivors explain why they didn't go to the Police.
  • Scott Morrison accused of "weaponising" complaint minutes after fighting back tears.
  • Why don't women report cases of sexual assault?
  • Tanya Plibersek discusses the "revolting" revelations from Parliament House.

That's a LOT of [...] videos! The previous day, SIX videos were released, just about sexual harrassment. Including the one about Jarryd Hayne being found guilty, I don't know if that counts.

I feel like talking about it is important, but maybe at some point, privacy becomes important too. It's difficult to grieve in private, when the issue is being brought up in public so often.

5 replies

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In response to: Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

Re: Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

@Former-Member I agree. It needs to be discussed but it has been overwhelming. I note the news and only rarely watch actual videos. Its my way of managing potential triggers.

Take Care Apple

In response to: Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

Re: Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

YES. I absolutely am finding it triggering. The week Christian Porter came out as the Parlimentarian at the centre of the sexual assault accusations, that threw me over the edge. I felt most upset by the lack of justice, and how these crimes happen in closed spaces with no witnesses, and become the "He said / She said". I've never had justice for what has happened to me, in no small part because I know I could not "prove" the crimes occurred. The news coverage, I agree, is important, but relentless for survivors. Really difficult

In response to: Re: Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

Re: Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

I imagine the at times surprise appearence of triggers would make it hard @M_P90 and I'm sorry. If what you're feeling starts to feel too overwhelming, please don't hesitate to reach out for support- there's 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14) . Take care ❤️

In response to: Re: Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

Re: Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

Do you ever get tired of the helplines though? 1800 RESPECT has gone down hill lately, unfortunately. I've called them many times and in the past, they were incredible. Lately, I've had a woman bark down the phone at me to use coping skills when I had asked her just to listen, or one who seemed to be reading responses off cue cards. I'm fine, I live with this nightmare of the trauma of men's violence and I just deal with it, y'know.

In response to: Re: Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

Re: Do you find the discussion of sexual harassment triggering?

1800 RESPECT was privatised some years ago, it wouldn't surprise me if it's gone downhill since then: https://www.speakertv.com/education/1800-distress-human-cost-privatisation-crusade/

Yes, I am finding the news triggering, yes I limit my news intake. I posted up a resource for sexual assault survivors a little while ago, and am thinking of writing to my local member. I'm also looking forward to voting.
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