“Rallies for Accountability” were held simultaneously nationwide on Friday 28th March 2008.  At midday, women, men and children gathered in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth as a show of public support for survivors of abuse in the healthcare system.

The rallies were inspired by recent reports in the media of the actions of Dr Graeme Reeves, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist dubbed the “Butcher of Bega”.  Hundreds of women have come forward telling of assault, abuse and mutilation while under the care of Reeves.  Even more disturbing is that in spite of several hundred complaints submitted since around 1990 by patients and staff about this man’s practice, he was not struck off the medical register until 2004.

The members of Joyous Birth were so outraged and moved by news reports about the actions of this doctor; they decided to “do something”.  “Rallies for Accountability” were planned as a public show of support for the survivors of abuse in our healthcare system, and to highlight the lack of accountability and culture of silence in the healthcare system.

A video can be seen here: http://www.livenews.com.au/MultimediaPopUp.aspx?id=53386&cat=11

A slideshow of the Sydney rally can be seen here: http://s275.photobucket.com/albums/jj318/IamWoman_2008/
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