BALLARAT-based sexual assault advocate Marita Murphy has received the Australian Medical Association\u2019s Presidents Award.<\/p>\n
Ms Murphy was presented with the gong at a ceremony at Melbourne\u2019s Hyatt Park late last month, with recipients of the awards handpicked by the AMA\u2019s president for outstanding advocacy work.<\/p>\n
Advocating for both child abuse awareness and to change the statute of limitations for rape victims in Australia, Ms Murphy and said it was \u201camazing\u201d to be recognised for her efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m the quintessential Aussie. I\u2019ve always barracked for the underdog, and now it just happens to be me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI set out on a journey. It\u2019s been nearly eight years since I reported my rape to the police so to get some traction in this way is incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Murphy was presented the award by the State Minister for Health, Ambulances Services and Equality, Martin Foley, and AMA Victoria vice-president Dr Roderick McRae.<\/p>\n
The achievement came nearly one year after the release of Ms Murphy\u2019s documentary, You be the Judge, which tells the story of her alleged rape at age seven and her subsequent encounters with the Australian justice system.<\/p>\n
Ms Murphy said she is honoured to receive the award, and will continue to \u201chighlight and fight\u201d for change within the country\u2019s legal system.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d rather advocate for others than myself, and the survivor community have been absolutely amazing with their encouragement,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s making them feel braver, so if I can do it, I should. If you\u2019ve got a problem and it\u2019s not dealt with, you\u2019ve still got a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BALLARAT-based sexual assault advocate Marita Murphy has received the Australian Medical Association\u2019s Presidents Award. Ms Murphy was presented with the gong at a ceremony at Melbourne\u2019s Hyatt Park late last month, with recipients of the awards handpicked by the AMA\u2019s president for outstanding advocacy work. Advocating for both child abuse awareness and to change the […]<\/p>\n