Most of the women I know have a layer of shared understanding born of experience. Growing up in a culture which, despite the gains for women in education, sexual and financial independence and representation in the workforce, remains male-dominated in profound and subtle ways.
We know that most women who are assaulted weigh up how hard it would be to report. We know that the conviction rate for sexual assault charges is pitifully low. We could identify with Higgins when she said she felt that if she went to the police with her allegation, her career would be harmed. (She has now reported the matter to police.) We know stubborn attitudes towards victims of family violence – why didn’t she leave? – will take a generation to budge.
There is tension and we cannot avoid it. We have been told for good reason that women should be believed after decades when their word was often dismissed. Yet the principle that an accusation is only that until it is proven is fundamental. Are these two things reconcilable?
I agonised over The Age’s editorial on the Christian Porter press conference this week. Where would we stand on these contested and emotional issues? We have published opinion pieces from various perspectives, but in the end, we editorialised that for Porter to lose his job over an allegation that could not be tested would set a precedent we would regret.
The idea of an independent inquiry might be one way out of this, but ultimately it would be left to an investigator to make a determination on the balance of probabilities whether a rape 33 years ago had occurred, without being able to question the complainant. That made me deeply uncomfortable.
Whatever the decision in an individual case, these few weeks have felt like a cultural tipping point. I watch the bravery of these young women determined to instigate change, telling their stories knowing they will face personal scrutiny. When I was their age I would not have dared. Sexual harassment was something young women complained about to each other but tried to ignore for the sake of their jobs. Now, young women are saying “enough”. It is the battle cry of their generation. Cultural change can be slow but just sometimes, it can happen in a rush. Maybe this time.
Happy International Women’s Day for Monday.
Note from the Editor
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