Brittany Higgins criticises federal inaction as Victoria moves to protect victim-survivors’ counselling records

victim-survivors portrayed as emotionally and psychologically endangered by legal processes

The framing centres on the trauma of having private therapy records accessed, described as a 'violation' and 'devastating', with emphasis on retraumatisation and the sacredness of the therapist-client relationship.

"It felt like such a violation,” Higgins said. “It’s such an intimate, sacred sort of relationship – the one between you and a therapist."

victim-survivors framed as deserving inclusion, protection, and legislative support

The article promotes advocacy efforts to protect counselling records and pre-record evidence, positioning victim-survivors as a group in need of systemic protection and dignity.

"The letter ... called for greater legislative protections for complainants’ confidential communications – including their counselling, psychiatric and medical records – and asked that all complainants in sexual offence proceedings be given the option to pre-record their evidence."

federal government portrayed as failing to act on critical justice reforms

The article highlights the federal government's inaction despite a major review, using strong language like 'completely fallen off the agenda' and noting the lack of formal response to 64 recommendations.

"There’s been no indication about where they want to take the review. It’s been tabled, it’s sat there and we’ve had no mention of it. It’s completely fallen off the agenda,” Higgins said."

federal government framed as adversarial to women’s safety interests

The federal government is contrasted with state-level action and described as having 'fallen off' on an issue it previously claimed to prioritise, implying betrayal or abandonment of victim-survivors.

"For a government that felt like they were representative of women’s safety issues, for them to fall off like this, and to have no follow up, has been disheartening."

federal justice system framed as ineffective in addressing sexual violence

The ALRC review is cited as finding 'systemic' barriers and a 92% non-reporting rate, with no follow-up from federal government, suggesting institutional failure.

"The ALRC review ... found 'systemic' barriers prevented victim-survivors from accessing justice, with 92% of women choosing not to go to the police after they were sexually assaulted."