Sexual assault campaigner, 26, who won major victory to name herself as a rape survivor wins Australian of the Year – as top doctor and fire chief favourites lose out
- Tasmania ‘s Grace Tame has been crowned Australian of the Year on Monday
- The 26-year-old was presented with the award at a ceremony in Canberra
- She wants a greater focus on education and prevention of child sexual assault
Tasmania’s Grace Tame has been crowned Australian of the Year (pictured)
Tasmania‘s Grace Tame has been crowned Australian of the Year for her advocacy and campaign work for survivors of sexual assault.
The 26-year-old was presented with the award at a ceremony in Canberra on Monday evening, marking the first time a Tasmanian has won the title.
Ms Tame wants a greater focus on education and prevention of child sexual assault, particularly through grooming and psychological manipulation by abusers.
The Tasmanian became the first woman in the state to win the right to publicly name herself as a rape survivor, allowing her to speak about the abuse she went through as a 15-year-old, at the hands of a maths teacher.
Prior to her legal victory, Ms Tame was barred from speaking publicly about the crimes in which she was a victim, while her abuser – who was jailed – was able to openly tell his story.
Ms Tame has a tattoo on the back of her hand representing her survival, which read: ‘Eat my fear’.
More to follow.
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