This text incorporates references to sexual assault.
Brittany Higgins says it is “time to heal” as she speaks for the primary time since a decide dominated Bruce Lehrmann raped her at Parliament Home, apologising to these “damage” within the aftermath.
Justice Michael Lee discovered on the stability of chances Lehrmann raped the then 24-year-old in then-defence minister Linda Reynolds’ workplace in March 2019.
In findings delivered on Monday, .
Posting to her private Instagram account on Saturday, Higgins stated: “I used to be raped – no judgement was ever going to alter this reality.”
“I lived with the disgrace, humiliation and concern of what telling my story would imply for my life and profession, like so many different victim-survivors,” she stated.
Supply: Instagram / Brittany Higgins
Higgins thanked Justice Lee for his “trauma-informed strategy” and for “recognising that reactions to assault can range wildly”.
“In doing so, I hope he has set a precedent for the way courts think about the testimonies of victim-survivors of sexual assault,” she stated.
Delivering his findings on Monday, Justice Lee informed the Federal Courtroom “Mr Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins”.
Whereas there was no proof Lehrmann knew that Higgins didn’t consent to the sexual exercise, he was recklessly detached to her rights, the decide stated.
‘Time to heal’
Higgins seems prepared to maneuver on from the drawn-out proceedings, marathon defamation swimsuit and deserted felony trial.
“It has been 5 years of felony and civil trials and authorities inquiries for the reality to lastly be revealed,” she stated.
“It’s now time to heal.”
Supply: Instagram / Brittany Higgins
Higgins additionally expressed sympathy for the toll the proceedings have had on her former boss senator Linda Reynolds and former chief of workers Fiona Brown.
“For that I’m additionally sorry,” the previous Liberal Get together staffer stated.
“My perceptions and emotions about what occurred within the days and weeks after my rape are totally different from theirs.
“I deeply remorse we now have not but discovered frequent floor.
“I hope we are able to resolve our variations with a greater understanding of one another’s expertise.”
In his judgement, Justice Lee stated he “unhesitatingly” most well-liked the proof of Fiona Brown to that of Lehrmann and Higgins.
Brittany Higgins says she hopes she and former boss Linda Reynolds “can resolve our variations”. Supply: AAP / Mick Tsikas
Senator Reynolds has launched defamation proceedings towards Higgins and Sharaz over social media feedback made about her.
Lehrmann suffered courtroom devastation earlier this week, failing to revive his tarnished status.
The 28-year-old sued Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson for defamation over a February 2021 interview with Higgins that aired on The Challenge and contained the rape allegations.
However Justice Lee dominated towards Lehrmann and in favour of Ten and Wilkinson after the broadcaster succeeded in its reality defence that the rape most definitely did happen.
A felony trial towards Lehrmann was deserted in 2022 with no findings made towards him.
“Having escaped the lions’ den, Lehrmann made the error of going again for his hat,” Justice Lee stated.
The case will quickly be again earlier than the courts to find out the difficulty of authorized prices.
In the event you or somebody you recognize is impacted by sexual assault, name 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, textual content 0458 737 732, or go to . In an emergency, name 000.
