Warning: the following article mentions sexual assault and rape. These details may be confronting or triggering.
On Easter Sunday, April 5 this year, 24-year-old teacher Stephanie Scott went to Leeton High School to prepare class work – less than a week before her wedding, due for the following Saturday. It was the last time she was seen alive.
Following a missing-persons case of Stephanie Scott for the days that followed, NSW police uncovered Scott’s body on Friday, April 10, in Cocoparra National Park.
Police charged Leeton High School cleaner Vincent Stanford for the alleged murder of Stephanie Scott in April—after finding physical and photographic evidence of burnt human remains; today, police have also charged Stanford with one count of aggravated sexual assault, as well as actual bodily harm against Stephanie Scott, according to Fairfax today.
Police will allege Stanford raped Stephanie Scott on the afternoon of April 5, before murdering the 24-year-old.
The news comes off domestic violence activist and Australian of the Year Rosie Batty‘s powerful address at the National Press Club in Canberra yesterday, labelling domestic abuse in Australia as “family terrorism“.
Australian women’s rights group, Destroy The Joint, are currently campaigning against domestic violence in Australia by “Counting Dead Women” – a tally accumulated on social media of “Every single violent death of women in Australia“. As of yesterday, June 3, Destroy The Joint’s count sat at a shocking 42 – including twelve other women since the death of Stephanie Scott.
Stanford will appear in court via video link later this morning, according to the ABC.
Via SMH.
Violence against women is never acceptable. If you or someone you know is experiencing physical or sexual abuse, calls can be made 24 hours a day on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) to the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line, or visit www.whiteribbon.org.au.
