A 26-year-old woman pushing for changes to laws so she can talk about being a victim of sexual harassment was named Australian of the Year for her advocacy work on behalf of abuse survivors

CANBERRA, Australia – A 26-year-old woman who is pushing for changes to the law so she can talk about sexual abuse survivors was named Australian of the Year for her advocacy work on behalf of survivors of abuse.

Grace Tame was presented with the award at a ceremony in Canberra on Monday.

Tame became the first woman in Tasmania state to win the right to publicly identify herself as a sexual abuse survivor, enabling her to talk about abuse she endured when she was 15 at the hands of a math teacher.

Prior to her legal victory, Tame was prohibited from speaking publicly about the crimes of which she was victimized, while the perpetrators – who were jailed – could legally tell her story. Such laws are often designed to protect victims of assault by keeping their identities anonymous, but do not take into account those who wish to speak out.

Tame said she dedicates the award to all victims of child sexual abuse.

“This is for us,” he said.

After advocacy from Tame and Nina Funnell, who started the #Let Her Speak campaign, Tasmania laws preventing survivors from speaking were dropped.

“I remember him towering over me, blocking the door. I remember him saying ‘Don’t tell anyone.’ I remember him saying ‘Don’t make a sound,’ “said Tame.

“All right, listen to me now – use my voice against a growing chorus that will not be silenced.”

Tame said she wanted a greater focus on education and prevention of sexual violence against children. She says grooming and psychological manipulation by violent offenders is a big problem.

“They thrive as we fight amongst ourselves and arm all of our vulnerabilities,” said Tame. “This year and beyond, my focus will be on empowering survivors and education as the main means of prevention.”

Another top award went to three other women.

Aboriginal Elder Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann has been named Senior Australian of the Year. The 73-year-old activist, educator and artist became the first qualified Aboriginal teacher in the state of the Northern Territory in 1975.

Kenyan refugee Rosemary Kariuki has been named a Local Hero of Australia for her work helping migrant women fight loneliness and the unknown as they settle into their new community.

And the Young Australian of the Year title goes to Adelaide student and social entrepreneur Isobel Marshall, who co-founded menstrual products company TABOO in secondary schools, with the aim of reducing the stigma around menstruation and helping women access products.