04.03.2021

In Australia, this is what it looks like after you get justice in a system stacked against you. It isn't joyful. It is barely relief, more often collapse and as rare as hen's teeth. The archaic and brutal judicial system victims battle compounds the terrible damage of the original crime.

For any of us who have navigated it or simply relentlessly come up against the rampant misogyny that infects our country from top to bottom and does very real ongoing cumulative damage, this week has been another galling reminder. We are collectively triggered, enraged and in utter despair. It makes it hard to function and tough to think straight. It festers hopelessness and contempt.

Trauma breeds armour and silence, in a desperate effort to feel safe. It takes incredible courage to speak up. Our howling reaction to the rapist protection racket that holds government in Australia isn't weakness nor hysteria. It is a perfectly sane response to our horrific reality. Our exhaustion is our addled minds and nervous systems working overtime with constant triggers, clumsy reporting and the all too familiar wall of silence.

Our nervous systems are built to co-regulate, which works far better than balling yourself up in a teary corner. It is even harder to face this all by yourself. Self care is a militant act of survival. We tend to drop it when we need it the most. Be kind to your addled self and give her what she needs. Start with the basics then add treats. Rest more and do less until you level out.

Check in with your female friends and fam, especially those who have had to live through this shit before it was headlines. Sisterhood and support isn't remote. Friendship is based on connection. Reaching out and listening are love languages all of their own.

Clear your diary for the 15th, Strayan ladies. This nation of disgrace is about to get yet another deafening wake up call. There is strength in our numbers, fire raging in our bellies and we are already on the right side of this story.

If you are wobbling, know you are not alone. We all are. Leaning on each other is how we stay upright.

We howl. And then we hunt.

~ @nikitagill

Senator Sarah Hanson Young after her court victory yesterday.

Words c. Kerrie Basha 2021

If you need to talk and no one is listening, call 1800 RESPECT in Australia. You will be heard, held and believed.