Following recent indecent assaults against young women in public spaces, The Examiner launched the Hands Off Campaign to explore the stories of victims, examine programs and services designed to prevent sexual assault and support its survivors, and ask what we as a society need to change.
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The campaign began on January 7 and concluded on February 12.
To catch up on stories you might have missed, scroll through our coverage below:
FEBRUARY 12: Hands off campaign for social reform
After five weeks of coverage on the issue of sexual assaults in public spaces, The Examiner’s Hands Off campaign wrapped up.
FEBRUARY 11: Campus assault ‘never OK’: TUU
RECAP: Tasmania University Union representatives explain why they decided to embark on their Never OK campaign, which endeavours to fight campus sexual harassment at the University of Tasmania.
FEBRUARY 10: Smaller festivals safer, organiser says
RECAP: Fractangular Gathering’s organiser Alison McCrindle discusses the downsides of large-scale events like Falls Festival.
FEBRUARY 10: Torns praise brave actions
RECAP: “It is an incredible thing that these women spoke up and that there is a campaign like this that can cause community conversations and people actually now are realising, recognising and remembering that it’s not ok,” Tornadoes club chairperson Janie Finlay said.
FEBRUARY 4: Break the mould: security
RECAP: Owner of an event security company says innovation is required to address the sexual assault problem at concerts and music festivals.
FEBRUARY 2: Everyone’s right to safety
RECAP: Crisis worker Jacinta and senior counselor Nicole discuss how important it is that victims understand their experience is valid and their reaction is valid and their not crazy.
JANUARY 29: Public support for speaking out
RECAP: Advocate and festival attendee Selina Woodiwiss says she has received daily praise for doing so since her story went public earlier this month.
JANUARY 28: Reforming court processes
RECAP: Tasmania state chair of the Australian Psychological Society, Bev Ernst, wants to see court processes changed to better support victims.
JANUARY 21: Hands Off at the University of Tasmania
RECAP: A UTAS professor talks about Australian Universities' campaign against sexual assault
JANUARY 18: ’It’s criminal, entitled’
RECAP: Women’s Legal Service Tasmania chief executive Susan Fahey discusses sexual assault and the legislation around it and impacts it has.
RECAP: An 18-year-old West Launceston man and a 24-year-old Penguin man will face court in March.
JANUARY 17: Educating the next generation
RECAP: Tasmanian school children are now learning from a young age what it means to be in a respectful relationship and how other people should be treated. We take a look at what is being taught in our schools to show the next generation of adults and leaders that sexual assault is never acceptable.
JANUARY 15: Editorial: Addressing the cause, not the symptom
JANUARY 14: The change starts with us
RECAP: Strict policies are in place to actively prevent instances of sexual harassment and assault, say organisers of Esk Beerfest, Festivale and matches at the council-owned University of Tasmania Stadium.
As three events expected to draw large crowds approach, including the T20 game between the Hawthorn and North Melbourne Football Clubs, the organisers united to speak out as part of The Examiner’s Hands Off campaign.
RECAP: Party in the Paddock (PITP) creative director Jesse Higgs says that sexual assault at music festivals is “disgusting behaviour” and “completely unacceptable”.
RECAP: At the heart of The Examiner’s Hands Off campaign is a goal to make every person feel safe and respected.
The next five weeks will see us tackle the topic of sexual assault and the attitudes that allow them, through a series of articles.
RECAP: The wandering hand of a seemingly entitled stranger heading in your direction is a terrifying thing.
JANUARY 7: Tasmanian festival victim stands up
RECAP: Launceston woman Selina Woodiwiss has seen the best and worst of music festivals.
The 50-year-old felt the need to speak out about sexual assaults in public places this week, following revelations five women were seriously assaulted at last weekend’s Falls Festival at Marion Bay.
JANUARY 7: The Examiner launches its Hands Off campaign
RECAP: Recent sexual assaults against young women have highlighted a disturbing lack of respect and sense of entitlement some people have.
The allegations shone a torch on a recurring issue that desperately requires floodlights.
RECAP: Two more women have come forward to police with complaints of sexual assault during Falls Festival at the weekend – and detectives expect to receive more reports in the coming days.
Three allegations of serious sexual assault were brought to police’s attention at the three-day event at Marion Bay over the New Year.
RECAP: Police allege that all three incidents occurred over the course of two days.
RECAP: Tasmania Police is seeking witnesses to the reported sexual assaults that occurred at the Marion Bay Falls Festival.
In a Facebook post, police said detectives would like to hear from anyone who has video of the mosh pit area during Hot Tub Time Machine and Australian rapper Illy’s performances.
- If you need help contact SASS 24/7 crisis line on 1800 697 877
