Brittany Higgins’ lawyers are reportedly preparing for their client to sue former defence minister Linda Reynolds, former Attorney-General Michaelia Cash, as well as the Commonwealth, in a civil claim later this month.
The documents to the ministers and the Commonwealth note Higgins will sue for sexual harassment, discrimination, disability discrimination, negligence and victimization, according to Nine papers today, which also report sources that say Higgins will sue for approximately $3 million.
Reynolds has confirmed in a statement that she was advised in March this year that a civil claim had been made against her and other parties by Higgins. “However, the proceedings are yet to be filed,” she said. She added that she was informed on Friday by Higgins’ lawyer that their client intends to progress the claim later this month.
‘Criminal justice system fails victims’
On Sunday morning, Higgins said the criminal justice system has long failed to deliver outcomes for victims of sexual assault, in her first public statement since prosecutors decided not to go ahead with the retrial of Bruch Lehrmann.
In the statement posted on Instagram, Higgins said. “I chose to speak up. To speak up against rape. To speak up against injustice. To speak, up and share my experience with others,” she wrote on social media.
“I told the truth — no matter how uncomfortable or unflattering — to the Court. The outcomes does not affect the truth.”
“When I did speak up, I never fully understood our asymmetrical criminal justice system. But I do now.”
Prosecutors decided not to pursue a retrial of Bruce Lehrmann, due to “compelling evidence” from two independent medical experts on the “ongoing trauma associated with this prosecution presents a significant and unacceptable risk to the life of the complainant.”
The jury was discharged with no verdict following the first trial, due to juror misconduct. Lehrmann had pleaded not guilty and continues to deny the accusations.
Higgins also used the social media post to thank the court and its offers who she said treated her with care and respect while she was there. She also reiterated points made outside the court back in October, when she said “my life was publicly scrutinised, open for the world to see. His was not.”
“Many of you in the media have been called out for labelling the last few weeks the ‘Higgins trial’, but I don’t blame you. Because to me it is very obvious who has been on trial.”
She wrote on Sunday morning about the “national shame” of the lack of convictions that occur regarding sexual assault charges. “In the ACT during 2020, only 16 per cent of sexual offenses reported to police resulted in a charge. And of that 16 per cent, only half of that number again resulted in a conviction.
If this story raises issues for you or someone you know, there is help available at Lifeline on 13 11 14. To speak with someone about sexual assault, harassment or family and domestic violence, call 1800Respect on 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.