Brittany Higgins has been hospitalised to receive care for her mental health after months of unrelenting pressure in the political spotlight, following the allegation that she was raped at Parliament House in 2019.
According to reports by The Guardian and News.com.au, Higgins was admitted to hospital last Thursday, after a horrible week in parliament that saw Prime Minister Scott Morrison dismiss the allegation his staff had brief against her partner.
Sending love and best wishes to the remarkable @BrittHiggins_ . This warrior has carried such a heavy load for all of us. The least we must now do is ensure that her courage leads to real change and meaningful action https://t.co/inpN6Twgnv
— Kate Ellis (@KateEllis22) June 3, 2021
Higgins’ partner, David Sharaz said she was receiving support after “months of sustained political pressure”.
Her hospitalisation follows a series of troubling events in recent weeks, including Morrison’s surprise tabling in parliament of a report by his chief of staff into Higgins’ allegation that staff in the Prime Minister’s office had negatively backgrounded about her partner. In the report, Kunkel did not make a finding on whether the backgrounding had occurred. Higgins was unaware Morrison would present the report to parliament before he did it.
At the time, David Sharaz tweeted: “Scott Morrison’s Chief of Staff John Kunkel demanded confidentiality from Brittany – in writing – as he undertook his investigation. Then Morrison tables it in parliament without letting her know.”
Scott Morrison’s Chief of Staff John Kunkel demanded confidentiality from Brittany – in writing – as he undertook his investigation.
— David Sharaz (@SharazDavid) May 26, 2021
Then Morrison tables it in parliament without letting her know.
It was also revealed in senate estimates last week that the Australian Federal Police commissioner expected a brief of evidence to be sent the ACT director of public prosecutions soon.
It will be known over the coming months whether her sexual assault allegation will be prosecuted.
Let’s never forget the physical, emotional & psychological toll sexual violence exacts. And let’s never forget that it is compounded every single day a survivor is denied justice. My thoughts are with @BrittHiggins_, her family & @SharazDavid May her recovery be full & gentle. 💔 https://t.co/jdfTgm0vlY
— Georgie Dent (@georgiedent) June 4, 2021
Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence or sexual assault, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. If you need help immediately, please call 000.