Reporting
Your safety is important. This culture will often encourage you to stay silent and bear it as though it is some hardship that should simply endure because it makes you look like a better worker, that you’re tough or impressive because you don’t complain.
The only people who benefit from your silence are those who are taking advantage of you. There are many laws in place allowing action to be taken, but no one can do anything until they know that it has happened.
You are setting a standard, it is a hard and incredibly powerful thing to do, but you are not only protections yourself but creating a better future for those who may have come before you, and those who would have come after you.
Isolation doesn’t just come from your geographical location, the nature of ringer’s camps and seasonal work is typically that you’re also very isolated even from the communities that you’re living near, knowing very few people and being considered an outsider in small towns leaves you even more vulnerable and less inclined to rock the boat and leave you even further on the outs.
Anonymity can often feel impossible when everyone knows everyone and victimisation can be prolific. And often, you are faced with seeing the perpetrator on a regular basis, worse if you work in the same capacity or on the same property.
Harassment is considered a cornerstone of the culture, but this is deeply rooted in outdated mindsets and practises. It is the duty of each and every one of us to speak up and demand a better tomorrow.
Studies show that decisions about reporting are strongly shaped by the nature of social ties and associated visibility within towns and the rural idyllic discourse. For some perpetrators, this context makes it a 'safe' crime.
Reporting can be terrifying, but in doing so you are not only taking power back for yourself but also protecting future victims.
Medical Attention:
For forensic and medical assistance, you will need to go to the emergency room or your nearest health clinic, often they will set up a Telehealth appointment with an assault specialist and will have kits available for collecting forensic evidence. This may not be possible, nearest towns don’t always have medical staff available, you may not be able to leave your station or work to get that kind of help.
Telehealth is becoming a lot more widespread and there are new regulations in place to provide assistance. For immediate after-hours medical advice, you can call health-direct on 1800 022 222
You have a right to feel safe and comfortable within your workplace. While it can be intimidating to speak up, it only takes one person, one safe space, for you to raise your concerns. If you wish to pursue more serious action or remain anonymous, there are offical channels you may also go through
Formal reporting can be done at any time; it is never too late to file a report of sexual assault. In person reporting closely following your experience is highly recommended, not only for the validity of forensic evidence, but also because this will give you immediate access to healthcare
Reporting can be a confronting prospect, sometimes you may not be certain of what you've experienced, there are many alternate reporting options that don't involve a judicial process. It is still very important that you seek medical attention following an attack