Paloma Cole

Thanks to @PatsKarvelas for having me on the Afternoon Briefing to talk employer obligations when reports of sexual assault in the workplace are made. Key takeaway: employers can't report to police & think "job done". Their obligation to provide a safe workplace requires far more

Just some of the horrific cases in 450+ deaths of black ppl in custody. 50% had not been convicted but detained in custody by police; 40% asked for medical assist, didn’t get it. 25% inc in last yr alone of judges not giving bail to black ppl most charged with minor offences 7/8

In Aust. Ms Dhu died in custody for unpaid fines. A victim of Dom violence. Asked for medical assistance didn’t receive it. Mr Ward a respected elder, blew over the limit. Put in a police van & transported 4hrs without A/C. Was literally cooked alive, no charges 1/8

The Milkshake video series - Cost $3.7 million to make - Took up over half the funding allocated to the Respect Matters campaign - Was approved by Dan Tehan and Alan Tudge who have voted for religious policies like the religious discrimination bill & against same-sex marriage

There's also a real & urgent need for the fed govt to implement all 55 of the AHRC's recommendations in its Respect@Work report, in particular, to change from our reactive model which places the burden on individuals, to a proactive model requiring positive action by employers.

I spoke with the @westaustralian about Brittany Higgins' impact on others who have decided to report their experiences of sexual harassment & assault at work, & how the recent reporting exposes how poorly employers often respond to these sorts of issues. swtimes.com.au/business/britt…

For things to change, we need this level of outcry for every woman who faces violence. Not just when she's done everything "right," and especially not just when it happens to a white woman. Women aren't responsible for violence done to them. The people who inflict violence are.

What happened to Sarah Everard could happen to any of us. Black women, in particular, are doubly victimized when authorities don't take their assaults seriously, and the media & public are less likely to give women of color the same coverage and support they give to white women.

It's exhausting work but someone's got to do it.

Chuffed to be included in @WLAQInc's 2021 Inspo List alongside 7 of my @WeFightForFair colleagues @Michelle_James_, Vavaa Mawuli, Tanya Straguszi, Sarah Vallance, Kim Back, Margaret Brain and Kirsten van der Wal! wlaq.com.au/2021/03/08/202…

The lesson men aren’t getting from the epidemic nature of movements like metoo is that in your community of men, in your family of men, in your close friendships of men, you know a man who is an abuser. And you probably like them

I spoke with @sbasfordcanales about the APS' tracking of sexual harassment & assault complaints. Equitable workplaces cannot exist where sexual harassment & assault is taking place, & it's impossible to even know if there's a problem without data. canberratimes.com.au/story/7147497/…

Dear @ScottMorrisonMP ABS data shows 87% instances of sexual violence are NOT ever reported to police. Among reported cases the conviction rate sits between 2-10%. With this in mind, how can Australians accept that the 'authorities' can appropriately deal with these matters?

15/ I also believe in the presumption of innocence. I believe in believing women. I am not a supporter of cancel culture. I believe in objective facts and truth telling. And striking a balance between community confidence between all of this and faith in our appointed leaders.

I hope everyone is feeling okay. Good time to check on all your friends. #auspol

If you are struggling, please be kind to yourself, and reach out for support if you can. You are important, your pain is valid, and your survival is paramount. Do what you need to do to survive today and thrive tomorrow. Remember that you are believed. I believe you.

Statistically speaking, you work and interact with rape survivors on a daily basis. Please be thoughtful in your words and actions now and always. Respect when people set boundaries or don't want to talk about the latest Canberra news.

The current news focus is endlessly triggering, distressing, rage-inducing and exhausting for many of the estimated 1 in 5 women and 1 in 25 men who have experienced sexual assault since the age of 15.

Today is painful for so many. It’s a day in politics not many of us will forget. We stand in solidarity with you, we see you, we hear you, and we believe you. If you’re triggered, AMWU members can call 1800 206 316; or you can call 1800 RESPECT or Lifeline on 13 11 14

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