I always said that the case of Jackson Williams had to be the catalyst for a much needed change to the existing laws we have. That he was shown far too much leniency for the crime he committed and that in my opinion and the opinion of over 114,000 others that signed my petition, he absolutely should have been charged with intent to commit a sexual assault, that his intent was crystal clear had he not been interrupted by the passer by. The DPP disagreed, no appeal happened and he walked a 'free man'.

The next stage of this petition had to be about the bigger picture. Our so-called justice system had failed this nurse so the fight had to be about the future, about the women who will be subjected to these predators vile acts and to ensure that those women receive the justice they so desperately deserve and the offender be suitably punished.

This petition had to be about raising our concerns for the atrocious leniency offered and about a woman's right to not only feel safe but be safe.

As Stuart Grimley MP has just said to me: "The power of the people has spoken and been heard by parliament. Changes to the legislation are coming. Congratulations to everyone who stood up and voiced their objection through the petition. You have changed the law!"

Whilst the Law Reform Commissioner has not recommended that a new offence the Grab and Drag be actioned it has instead recommended that:

1. The Victorian Government should amend section 320A of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) to introduce an aggravating circumstance where the assault would raise an apprehension of an imminent sexual offence.

2 The recommended aggravating circumstance should include an objective test for the fault element as an alternative to a subjective fault element. The court should be able to take into account all the particular circumstances in which the assault occurred in applying the objective test.

3 The recommended aggravating circumstance should have a maximum term of level 5 imprisonment (10 years maximum).

4 The recommended aggravating circumstance should be an indictable charge triable summarily.

This petition was mentioned in the report. Without our noise this would not have been possible. I want to thank each and every one of you for taking a stand alongside of me, for sharing in my shock and horror of how this case was handled, for caring enough to click on the link and add your signature and your comments.  

We did it!!!!