Melbourne law firm will offer free services to Schoolies attendees who have experienced sexual assault after a disturbing “checklist” is shared on social media.
With Schoolies celebrations well underway on the Gold Coast, a list of sexually explicit and drug-related challenges for school leavers has emerged online.
Originally published in The Courier Mail December 2022
Content Warning: This story mentions themes of sexual violence.
With Schoolies celebrations well underway on the Gold Coast, a list of sexually explicit and drug-related challenges for school leavers has emerged online.
The list includes acts such as defecating in the bed, "f**k a chick somewhere f***ked (etc next to a bin, in a Macca’s toilet)" and “hook up with a disabled chick”.
Following the attention the list garnered online, founder and principal solicitor of Violet Co Legal & Consulting in Melbourne, Ms Karen Iles, announced they will offer pro bono legal support and counselling services to any Schoolies attendees who experienced sexual assault while they attended the end-of-year celebrations.
Ms Iles, who is a sexual assault survivor herself, says it's important young people know this kind of behaviour is not acceptable.
“These kinds of lists perpetuate a culture of sexual violence and beg belief how young women and men are meant to feel safe at these events,” Ms Iles said.
“I’m not surprised something like this has appeared online… It’s still disturbing to think about how this normalizes forms of sexual violence and the very attitudes that led to my own experiences of sexual assault.”
Supplied, Karen Iles
Supplied, Karen Iles
In 1993, when Ms Iles was only 14 years old, she was subject to multiple gang rapes while on holiday with her family on the Gold Coast.
Her story is one of the most serious sexual assault cases ever reported to authorities in Australia.
For over 20 years police in New South Wales and Queensland have failed to conduct a substantive investigation into her assaults, with Queensland authorities informing Ms. Iles in 2018 her entire file has been destroyed.
“It’s been incredibly traumatic to repeatedly go through the process of reporting one of the worst moments of my life and then have absolutely nothing done,” she recalls.
In response to the outrage and disclosure of hundreds of sexual violence experiences occurring during Schoolies on social media, Ms Iles announced her legal and consulting practice, Violet Co, will offer free services to Schoolies attendees.
“Whether you just want support or explore what legal options may be available for you. We’re survivor-led and use trauma-informed practice to provide a safe place for survivors to tell their story,” Ms. Iles says.
“I myself know how traumatizing the system can be for sexual violence survivors.
“Justice can come in many forms. We can help in a variety of ways and represent and advocate for you in a way you’re comfortable with.”
“I myself know how traumatizing the system can be for sexual violence survivors."
Karen Iles, Founder and Principal Solicitor of Violet Co Legal & Consulting
You can find more information about Violet Co’s services on their website violetco.com.au or contact them by phone on 1300 VIOLET (1300 846 538) or email office@violetco.com.au.
If this has raised any issues for you, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
