Why do we only care about the women close to us?
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That's the question three Wagga women are asking as they express their frustration with the Prime Minister in the wake of comments he made about an alleged rape inside Parliament House.
Brittany Higgins, a former Liberal staffer who alleged she was raped by a more senior colleague on a couch in 2019, shared her story earlier this week.
Following the revelations, the Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Tuesday a review into workplace culture at Parliament House.
He also apologised to Ms Higgins for what she experienced and conceded the government had mishandled its response.
Mr Morrison said the announcement followed a discussion with his wife.
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"Jenny and I spoke last night, and she said to me, 'you have to think about this as a father. What would you want to happen if it were our girls'," he told media.
"Jenny has a way of clarifying things. Always has. And so, as I've reflected on that overnight and listened to Brittany and what she had to say."
Mr Morrison said he wants to make sure "any young woman working in this place is as safe as possible, as I would want for my own daughters".
Razia Shaik is a researcher and single mother to two daughters, and said Ms Higgin's account and the following comments by the Prime Minister have left her furious.
She added she was so angry that it had left her struggling to sleep at night.
"I feel like I want to go to the mountain and scream out loud," Dr Shaik said.
"This is the standard that he is choosing to set. This goes beyond politics."
Dr Shaik said if she died tomorrow, what would happen to her daughters? Would no one choose to help them because they were strangers?
"Why does he bring his family into it," she asked.
"When something is wrong, we should be courageous enough to say it's wrong. We shouldn't hide.
"We need to acknowledge it and do whatever it takes to fix this issue."
Wagga resident Emily Cross, 25, said she believes Brittany Higgins and was amazed by her bravery in coming forward.
"This is a consistent problem and highlights that 'action' is only taken when survivors have to make the - what I imagine is an incredibly difficult - decision in going to the media with their story," she said.
"Once out of the media limelight, these issues are swept beneath the parliamentary carpet."
Ms Cross said the nation's leaders are meant to be upholding community values when they are elected, including trust, respect, and integrity.
"The current system is benefiting abusers and perpetuating this culture of freedom from consequence," she said.
"This cannot be a political problem or debate.
"We are talking about basic human rights and safety. I agree that an independent body should be accessible to survivors who do not feel safe (physically or in terms of their employment) coming forward.
"This is the bare minimum. Until then, women, in particular, will continue to be dissuaded from participating in politics."
Wagga Women's Health Centre crisis support worker Julie Mecham said hearing the prime minister's comments proved how much work needs to be done.
She added that it was also demonstrative of a broader problematic view held in society.
"Why do we only care about the women close to us," Ms Mecham asked.
"Why are we not ensuring that every single woman has the same protection, dignity and care that we would afford those we are close to?"
When Ms Mecham first read about Ms Higgin's account, her first thought was how in the highest levels of power, there is still violence against women happening.
"These are our policymakers, our high ranking government staff - it's unacceptable," she said.
"What we have seen is victim-blaming and political point-scoring.
"I am gobsmacked that we haven't got to a point where our leaders are saying 'let's look at best practice in all areas dealing with women's safety and violence in our community.
"Enough is enough."
- If reading this story has impacted you in any way, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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