Brittany Higgins social media post as Linda Reynolds defamation case seeks bankruptcy ruling for rape victim

As Australia learnt that Brittany Higgins would likely soon be declared bankrupt after not paying ex-Liberal Senator, and former boss, Linda Reynolds a cent towards legal bills from a high-profile defamation case, the rape survivor posted on social media.

The post, which appeared on Ms Higgins’ Instagram story, marked National Survivors’ Day, a day that recognises the strength and resilience of survivors of sexual abuse and institutional sexual abuse.

A court ruled that Ms Higgins and her partner, David Sharaz, defamed Ms Reynolds, but it did not rule that the former Liberal staffer was not a victim of sexual assault.

Ms Higgins did not add any commentary to her post, however, the significance of her story, whilst she prepares for judicial bankruptcy, can’t be understated.

How much was Brittany Higgins settlement?

Ms Higgins received a $2.4 million settlement from the Commonwealth over the alleged rape inside Parliament House, an amount unlikely to actually heal the trauma sexual abuse victims are forced to carry with them.

The settlement came long after she alleged Bruce Lehrmann, at the time a fellow Liberal staffer, sexually assaulted her in Ms Reynolds’ office after a night out drinking in Canberra on March 23, 2019.

She stated Mr Lehrmann, who claims he is innocent, took her back to Parliament House, into the then-Senator’s office, before she woke up with her clothing removed.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, less than eight per cent of women who are victim-survivors of sexual assault in the 10 years prior to 2022 contacted police.

Exact statistics on sexual assaults committed compared to sexual assaults reported are somewhat unreliable, as so many do not come forward.

The #MeToo movement has seen the number of sexual assaults reported increase; however, stigma remains.

Stigma aside, others choose not to report sexual abuse, knowing the legal mountain they may need to climb to secure justice, something that comes at an extreme emotional toll, at a time when healing from trauma becomes priority number one.

Ms Higgins did come forward with her allegations, though. To the police, Government colleagues in 2019, and eventually, bravely to the media in 2021.

Canberra’s state prosecution was forced to abandon its case against Mr Lehrmann in 2022, meaning justice, either through prosecution or a court-ruled “not guilty” determination, was never given.

What Ms Higgins did receive, which may have come as some form of closure, was a defamation ruling in 2024 from Federal Court Justice Michael Lee, who concluded that on the balance of probabilities Mr Lehrmann had raped her.

As it was a defamation case, brought by Mr Lehrmann, the case brought no criminal conviction, instead, just an order for the former staffer to pay the legal costs of the parties involved, which included Channel Ten and former Project host Lisa Wilkinson.

Mr Lehrmann is appealing his lost defamation case.

National Survivors Day

The post Ms Higgins shared had a poignant message from Full Stop Australia, an organisation dedicated to helping those who have experienced sexual abuse.

“Full Stop Australia recognises the incredible strength and resilience of survivors of sexual abuse and institutional sexual abuse, along with their supporters across Australia,” the post said.

“On this National Survivor’s Day, we stand in recognition of Survivors and continue to work towards a future where every survivor is heard, supported, and believed.

“We stand in solidarity with all who have faced unimaginable pain and injustice, and we commit to amplifying your voices. Your bravery inspires change.

“Every voice matters. Every story is important.”

Ms Higgins’ story of surviving sexual assault matters.

Brittany Higgins, David Sharaz guilty of defamation

On August 27, WA Supreme Court Justice Paul Tottle ruled Ms Reynolds had been defamed by Ms Higgins.

The defamation occurred in a series of social media posts from 2022 to 2023.

The court awarded Ms Reynolds $315,000 in damages, as well as interest at the cost of $26,000.

Ms Higgins was also ordered to pay 80 per cent of Ms Reynolds’ legal costs.

It is not known what Ms Higgins did with her $2.4 million settlement from the Commonwealth. As Australia waits for the confirmation that Ms Higgins, and likely her partner Mr Sharaz, are bankrupt, we should remember the former Liberal staffer who spoke up about her sexual assault, is a survivor.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028.