*CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses rape

Brittany Higgins isnt a hero for enduring rape, but for speaking out about it over voices determined to drown hers out, writesZayda Dollie.

FORMER LIBERAL STAFFER Brittany Higgins, who came forward with rape allegations againstBruce Lehrmannin 2021, has just announced her return to public life.

The 30-year-old former media advisor to theLiberal Partyhas been appointed as the newdirectorof public affairs for PR agencyThird Hemisphere. Higgins' return to the space where private and public discourse intersect is as deliberate as her initial step into the media spotlight years ago.

It seems fitting that Higgins would be invited back into the arena to shape how the public thinks, talks and acts on institutionalised sexual harm. It appears that rather than run from her past, she chooses instead to platform off her ordeal, using it as a talking point for a dialogue in need of voices.

Accordingto Third Hemisphere:

And here it is! The most popular story of 2023, even though it was published in December 2022. This story about a ghastly new episode in Australia's chequered historystruck a chord amongst so many of us and continues to attract readers to this this day.

Higgins, earlier this week,describedthe cultural regression she saw taking place in Australia following the#MeToomovement.

Shesaid:

Higgins was working as a media advisor under SenatorLinda Reynoldswhen she wasrapedby senior colleague, Bruce Lehrmann, inside Parliament House in 2019.

Higgins continuedworkingfor the Liberal Party for two more years in silence before going public with theallegationsin February 2021.Thedecisionto approach the media herself was steeped with intent. Over the five years of legal action that ensued, Higgins never faltered.

Higginssaidshe received no support from the Liberal Party privately in the immediate aftermath of the rape and even less after it became public. She was openlydiscreditedby her boss, Senator Reynolds, and deliberatelymisrepresentedby mainstream media outlets, which gave unduefocusto Higgins' actions and her cross-examination rather thandecisionsmade by senior management after the alleged rape.

Federal Court JusticeMichael Leefound, on the balance of probabilities, that Lehrmann hadrapedBrittany Higgins. Despite this finding, Senator Reynolds sued Brittany Higgins fordefamationwith a five-week trial concluding in September last year. The verdict has not yet been handed down. Reynolds has also recently launched alawsuitagainst the Commonwealth, claiming it breached its duty to act in her best interests by awarding Higgins $2.44 million in compensation.

Reynolds hasalludedto the personal damage she felt was inflicted on her by Higgins' rape allegations,promptingLabor SenatorPenny Wongto ask her, "So you're the victim, not Ms Higgins?"

Higgins went public with her allegations in the first place because the existing support structuresseemedmore inclined to cover them up. Higginswantedto expose the way sexual assault was mishandled in an attempt atreformingit to uncover the flaws in a system that fails victims rather than helps them.

In closing submissions, lawyers representing Bruce Lehrmann in his defamation suit against Network Ten have presented a tangled web of inconsistent scenarios.

In 2022, Higginstoldthe media outside court:

Higgins spoke again this week in a publicaddressabout the need to transform the media narrative around sexual assault.

Shesaidabout the mediascrutinisingher clothing, alcohol consumption and sexual motives:

Higgins' appointment by the female-led PR agency represents a much-needed shift away from the structural roadblocks that empower all the wrongpeopleto use their voices.

Shesaidthis week:

There are many voices like Higgins' that deserve to be amplified it's about time the public heard them.

If you would like to speak to someone about sexual violence, please call the 1800 Respect hotline on 1800 737 732 orchat online.

Zayda Dollieis an IA assistant editor who believes in the power of stories and in having female voices heard. You can follow her on Instagram@zayda_dollie_hendricks, X@ZaydaDor Bluesky@zaydadollie.

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