This still matters ...

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/serious-sexual-offenders-walking-free-on-community-orders-20260721-p60h8a.html?utm_source=smh-web&utm_medium=share_article&utm_campaign=national&utm_content=visitor&utm_term=product_featureDear Supporters,

We reached a significant milestone on Wednesday, 5th August, surpassing 200 signatures. Thank you to everyone who has signed and shared Anastasia’s story so far. 

While we are now technically outside the standard 28-day statutory period for an appeal, my understanding is that extensions can be granted under exceptional circumstances. Because of this, I am keeping the petition live to show the ongoing strength of public support.

While we have not yet received a response from the Attorney-General's office or the other MPs I have reached out to—which is understandable given the timeline—I am not giving up hope.

Anastasia's story continues to reach a more people and brings crucial attention to growing concerns surrounding lenient sentencing.

 Earlier this week, former magistrate David Heilpern and Professor of Law Julia Quilter spoke with the Sydney Morning Herald, offering further insight and strong criticisms of both the sentencing and the initial denial of an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO). They highlighted that the offender showed no remorse and had a prior criminal history—factors that typically justify an AVO to protect victims.

Both experts pointed to how cases like this reignite the debate around the "rollercoaster theory"  regarding withdrawn consent and how damaging this continues to be for victims, referencung ither recent cases where  the sentences were non custodial. They also underscored the inadequacy of the sentence by comparing Community Correction Orders to penalty outcomes typically reserved for minor offenses, such as repeat shoplifting or pushing someone at a pub.

I remain hopeful that as more legal experts and advocates speak up, we can achieve a meaningful outcome—or, at the very least, help accelerate vital legislative reforms so other victims do not have to endure similar outcomes and importantly so we have sentencing that aligns with the intent of the 2022 reforms. 

Thank you all for standing with us.

Read the full Sydney Morning Herald article here:

Sydney Morning Herald Article

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/serious-sexual-offenders-walking-free-on-community-orders-20260721-p60h8a.html?utm_source=smh-web&utm_medium=share_article&utm_campaign=national&utm_content=visitor&utm_term=product_feature