Victims who use social media to share stories of sexual harassment have been warned not to take matters into their own hands.
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The online #MeToo campaign has seen thousands of people declare themselves victims of sexual assault, abuse and harassment.
The initiative led some victims to use social media to expose allegations against named individuals.
SHE (Support, Help, Empowerment) chief executive Alina Thomas said the campaign was a progressive, but problematic initiative.
She said it showed society was ready to talk about sexual assault, but victims needed to find support offline.
“I think we do need to be calling people to account, and sometimes that doesn’t happen through conventional process because of the nature of the abuse and the shame put on victims,” Ms Thomas said.
“But members of the community can't take it into their own hands - we have a justice system and it needs to be given the respect it deserves.”
Ms Thomas said action taken by perpetrators to name themselves in their own posts was “brilliant”.
She said those who admitted guilt should be praised, but not excused.
“If people can start identifying it in themselves then we can apply early prevention strategies as soon as possible,” Ms Thomas said.
“The downside of it too, though, is whether it creates a bit of a norm and people think they can just admit they did something and it will be okay.”
Law Society of Tasmania vice president Evan Hughes said if victims named alleged perpetrators online it could impact police investigations and diminish the chances of prosecution.
He said it was an offence to disclose information around a matter if it is currently subject of investigation or prosecution.
“Raising [cases of harassment] on social media creates awareness, but it might not bring an investigation,” Mr Hughes said.
“The best and most effective way to combat this type of crime is to give the police a chance to investigate it.”
The Human Rights Commission defines sexual harassment as any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.
Ms Thomas said the campaign could change perceptions of sexual harassment.
“There’s issues around the severity of allegations because someone may read a post and think ‘oh, well, my experience wasn’t as bad as that so I don’t have reason to talk about it’,” Ms Thomas said.
“I do get the sense that the momentum around this is building and I think there's going to continue to be more things like this.”
Sexual Assault Support Service: 1800 697 877
