Sexual harrassment and sexual assault

[Sambucca]

My landlord has been sexually harassing me and touching me for 3years. Due to the housing crisis I kept a diary of the happenings until it was time I move out and then proceed to report to police. Landlord has just found out I have been keeping records of his behaviour and has kicked me out onto the streets. I have reported to police 2 times now as I was told by the woman's sexual assault councillor that there is a victims assist package to get me out and safe but need a police report number. Police are not taking it seriously making excuses for his harrassesment. I feel let down by police, they are meant to protect us. Police said I'm only reporting as a retaliation because landlord has kicked me out. It's actually the landlord retaliating on me because he found out I have evidence. The justice system is broken in north Queensland. My mental health is beyond control. My meds don't work, I'm on the streets were I don't belong. Why is it so hard to prosecute this behaviour even with evidence?

[Croix]

Dear New Member~

Welcome here to the Forum, I'm sorry circumstances have left you in this position. To have to put up with the landlord's blackmailing liberties to remain in your home is terrible, and now being homless with uncooperative police is worse.

To not be believed or belittled is one of the worst things that can happen, leaving a person feeling angry, frustrated, and feeling powerless.

I guess if it is the case you need a police report then you need to get one, and maybe adopt a different approach, as many police have a chauvinistic dismissive attitude. Is there any possibility you could have an advocate go with you? The fact you have kept records would go a long way to substantiate your reports.

If the women's sexual assault councilor does not wish to accompany you perhaps there is another organisation that might, perhaps the Women's Legal Service if they have branch near you or else  one of the services listed here

https://www.police.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/QPS%20Sexual%20Violence%20Response%20Strat...

My apologies if you have already looked at these

If you become discouraged please remember while you may be doing it as a personal matter it helps others who are in similar situations too.

May I ask if you have managed to find somewhere to stay for the moment? Also if you have a friend or family member to support you? Being alone coping with all this is very hard.

You know you are welcome here anytime

Croix

[Sophie_M]

Hi there,

Thank you for posting here and for being so open in speaking out about what has been happening. We are so sorry that you have experienced this sexual harassment. It sounds like you have taken some really important steps to keep yourself safe which is incredibly brave.

We echo the wise words of Croix, above. In addition, we have reached out to you privately. If you would ever like to call us, we're on 1300 22 4636, or you can reach us online via our webchat: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/   

Another option is to have a chat with one of the lovely people at 1800Respect, too. They're on 1800 737 732, or you can reach them on online chat, here: https://chat.1800respect.org.au/#/welcome 

Thank you again for your courage and strength in sharing your story. If you’d like to share a bit more here about how you’ve been feeling or if anything has changed since your last post, we are here to support you.

Kind regards,  

Sophie M 

[Croix]

Dear New Member~

In my last post I mentioned a few places to try, as has Sophie_M.

There is one thing I'd like to add, as it is something that happens to me. I become totally pre-occupied by the unpleasant matter and what I can (or can't ) do about it.

Please do not think I'm trying to discourage you from any curse of action, just concerned it can take over one's life, as it has at times form me. I would like to suggest - as far as you are able - that you try to split your day into two parts, the first being attending to police, courts and legal matters - all of which have a very disheartening effect at times, and another part of you life where you try to find self-reward in things you enjoy. Not easy when homeless I know, but it does pay dividends. You life can have pleasant spots to look forward to each day, and your well-being, judgment and priorities may become influenced by this.

I use chapters in favorite books, also movies as a means of doing this, you may completely different things of course.

I would like to know how you get on with this most difficult matter, provided of course you would like to say

Croix

[Sambucca]

I have been to police for the second time on July 5th with a woman's legal services representative and still no prosecution. Police said they need more evidence like photos. So even though I have text messages saying he like to scrub my back in the shower and I might have to kick U out if U don't have sex with me and the hundreds of texts asking me to go out to dinner and hundreds of phonecalls at 1am 2am 3am apparently I have not enough evidence. I am still on the streets because I have a dog so no-one can really help. I can't even put up my tent anywhere as council patrols and moves us on. It's raining as well so not much shelter except for in town Infront of businesses with bright lights and tourists out partying. Sleep and safety are main priority at moment. Spoke to human rights Commission yesterday so more forms to fill out. Everything is a process but wen U are on the streets with a dog in one hand and suitcase in other it's quite a journey just getting to one place to the other. So angry but also can't stop crying as I have been a taxpayer most of my life, and background is in assistance in nursing so I have a heart but here I am on the streets scared and alone.  I'm an orphan since 6years old no family and in Queensland no friends, it's a bad town so it's hard to make friends, so no coach surfing or putting up a tent in someone's backyard. I'm always watching my back as the landlord is a predator that drives around early hours praying on drunk girls that can't stand up or the vulnerable girls, I will spot me soon. I'm not hard to miss, blonde girl with a dog, I'm scared I can't even get a protection order so if he comes near me and I try to defend myself I will be the one who gets in trouble. Caravan parks are unsafe and charging $400 a week because I have a dog. Hopefully my sexual assault councillor I see on Wednesday might be able to help, she is quite resourceful and gets angry that someone like me is not getting helped by the Cairns community.  I just take it day by day now. Try save whatever little money I get from Centrelink and try get a cheap car in a few months. At least can get out of this town or drive to different parks were there is free camping, but get moved on every 3days. Better than the streets.

[Sambucca]

1800respect started to drive me crazy after 1year of calling them. Always different person and always had to repeal my situation to every caller who answered which made it worse, having to repeat story was like reliving it. My sexual assault councillor is fantastic.  I just want to sleep.  So hard to sleep on the streets as there are many drug induced sychos out there also Cairns had a huge problem with the young kids roaming the streets in groups just bashing people for no reason. Hard to find a quiet spot especially when it rains as everyone else who is homeless is looking for shelter as well from the rain. The sun is coming up, still drizzling about. My eyes are burning from lack of sleep. Dog is waking up asking for cuddles and belly rub. My only happiness for the day.

[Croix]

Dear Sambucca~

Thank goodness for Dog, when life is s*** there is at least one thing that appreciates you and needs you. Affection makes a world of difference.

Is there anywhere with lockers, washing machines and a shower? We have one near where I live and that make a huge difference. It is so hard without any of the basics. I hope your councilor can find you  somewhere, or you get a car -yes I know it is probably a bit unrealistic on Centerlink.

I know what you mean about 1800RESPECT and many other help/crisis lines. To have to explain all over again and again fresh each time is really an insult. No matter how nice a particular operator might sound one still feels reduced to being just another number. I"m lucky in that I can write everything down and just give it to the doctor on duty, saves much repetition, however not possible on the phone of course.

I hope you and Dog find safe shelter soon. Remember we are here and are concerned for you

Croix