Harrison James, like many survivors of child sexual abuse, “never got justice in the traditional sense.”
Abused by his stepmother between the ages of 13 and 16, criminal Harrison fled the country before she could hold him accountable for his actions.
That's why last year, she and fellow survivor advocate Jared Grace founded a campaign aimed at banning the use of character references by child sex offenders.
“For me, this work— This is my justice. it is I Harrison told news.com.au.
“This is me reclaiming what I've lost all those years and turning that pain into a real purpose. What keeps me going is that survivors will benefit (from our campaign), and survivors will feel faith when they follow the justice system.
With relevant legislation in NSW and the ACT under review, the focus of the campaign has now shifted to a new target.
The couple are calling on the South Australian government to amend section 11(4) of the Act Penal Law 2017 So that offenders convicted of child sexual abuse can no longer take advantage of legal loopholes that allow them to rely on good character references to reduce their sentences.
As it currently stands, the extent to which a character referral can be used in child sexual abuse cases in SA is limited. The accused's good character or lack of previous convictions cannot be taken into account if the accused “was an aid to the commission of the crime” – for example, if the perpetrator worked as a teacher, scout leader or religious figure and was therefore considered trustworthy to have a child. will be It remains under their care.
But perpetrators such as step-parents, siblings, relatives or friends – who did not rely on their “good standing” to access their victim – have the right to refer to authorities at the court's discretion.
For someone who has specifically been sexually abused by children Then Through a traumatic court process, only to hear at the end how “good” their agent is — it's absolutely devastating, Harrison said.
“It just completely undermines the hurt they've been through.”
He and Grace are honored to meet with state Attorney General Kiam Maher this afternoon to discuss their proposed amendments, and to “let survivors know that no matter where you live in the country, there are people who fight and make sure. When it comes to going to court, your interests come first.”
“Extending our campaign to South Australia is an important step in this mission,” Harrison said.
“By advocating for consistent legal reform, we aim to close the loopholes that currently allow some child sex offenders to take advantage of (these) legal loopholes. This expansion will ensure that all survivors, regardless of to receive the place where they live, the justice and security that they deserve.”
He added that it is “important for the justice system to understand the manipulative strategies used by criminals.”
“Their so-called 'good character' is just another weapon in their toolbox of deception.”
Since the campaign's launch last May, the use of character references — and their relevance — has gone from relative obscurity to a central tenant of our national conversation about child sexual abuse.
I have faith that these rules will change, but even if they don't – the fact that we're inviting and holding those who provide (character references) accountable… I think people want one at least once. provide If asked, Harrison says it's a deterrent.
The overall conversation is shifting from “Are they even related?” to 'What is the principle of good character references?' also. For example, are they relevant on a broader scale?
“I think it raises a lot of questions, and what we've been able to do is hold a mirror up to the legal community and just create that conversation.”
The purpose of your reference is not relevant. It was also discussed at the last meeting of the Permanent Council of Attorneys General (SCAG). SCAG brings together Attorney-Generals from all Australian jurisdictions, with the aim of promoting best practice in law reform.
“The fact that it's been talked about on this scale and recognized nationally — to me, it shows that there's momentum behind it and there's a drive to make this happen, which is incredibly exciting,” Harrison said.
We just want to see this (legal) change as soon as possible, because the longer we wait, the more survivors will have to go to court and their trauma will be undermined.
It is about creating a safe future for all children and ensuring that justice is served without bias or leniency for those who have committed heinous crimes.
