MAN TO FACE COURT ON ESPLANADE LAGOON SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES
Women allegedly assaulted at Lagoon
A LEADING women’s rights advocate has urged victims of sexual assault and harassment to come forward after an alleged attack on three women at the Esplanade Lagoon.
A 24-year-old man will face Cairns Magistrates Court today on three counts of sexual assault after reports he inappropriately touched three women between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Saturday.
Dr Carole Ford from the Women’s Centre Cairns said Far North Queensland women faced sexual harassment on a daily basis.
“Speaking generally, it is so unfair that women can’t just go out and enjoy themselves,” she said.
“I know women who won’t go to the gym because there are always guys at the back of the class, or they will only go for early swimming sessions at the pool. That way, their personal space isn’t invaded.
“It’s only a few blokes … but those people just make it really bad for everybody.”
Full details of the alleged sexual assaults have not yet played out in court, but police say a good Samaritan chased the man along the Esplanade before losing track of him on Spence St.
Officers reviewed CCTV footage of the surrounding area, identified a man and arrested him soon after.
They are appealing for anyone else who believes they may have been inappropriately approached by the man to come forward, as well as anybody with further information about the alleged assaults.
Dr Ford said she would keep a keen eye on how the case played out in court, bearing in mind the allegations had not yet been proved.
“A lot of guys – and I know because I’ve talked to them – would say you’re making a big issue out of nothing,” she said.
“Well, for women, it is a big issue. It takes away their feeling of security and safety.
“Every woman has a story, and I certainly have my own stories to tell.”
Dr Ford said a lot of victims kept their mouths shut for fear they would “be rubbished or called man-haters”.
She urged women to come forward with their stories.
“Even if they don’t want to proceed with an accusation, it helps police put together an overall picture of what is happening,” she said.