## Lehrmann Found Liable for Sexual Assault of Higgins in Parliament House
In a landmark decision, the Federal Court has found Bruce Lehrmann liable for the sexual assault of Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019. Justice Michael Lee concluded that Mr. Lehrmann raped Ms. Higgins in the office of Senator Linda Reynolds, despite her lack of consent and his indifference to it.
This judgment stems from Mr. Lehrmann's defamation case against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson, who aired an interview with Ms. Higgins on The Project in 2021. While the interview did not name Mr. Lehrmann, he claimed the description identified him, leading to the defamation proceedings.
Justice Lee's findings, based on the balance of probabilities, ultimately dismissed Mr. Lehrmann's defamation claim. The evidence presented by Network Ten successfully proved the substantial truth of Ms. Higgins' allegations.
"Mr. Lehrmann has now been found, at the civil standard of proof, to engage in a great wrong," Justice Lee stated. "It follows Ms. Higgins has been proven to be a victim of sexual assault."
This decision marks a significant victory for Ms. Higgins and other survivors of sexual assault. It also highlights the ongoing challenges posed by Australia's defamation laws, which can make it difficult for victims to speak out and seek justice.
Despite the legal complexities, Ms. Higgins' courage and resilience have paved the way for broader societal conversations about sexual assault and the importance of believing survivors. This judgment serves as a powerful reminder that perpetrators can be held accountable for their actions, even when the legal process is lengthy and arduous.