Latest news with #TracyLee
Sydney Morning Herald
27-06-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Tracy Lee was attacked by the Skaf rape gang. The horror didn't stop there
'I vividly remember thinking that as a 15-year-old.' At the police station, Tracy Lee gave a brief statement. She said she offered police her clothes as forensic evidence, but said they didn't ask for it. She grew up in foster care, and no adult was present; she felt police judged her because of this. A sexual assault service expert certificate cited by this masthead found her physical injuries, including haemorrhages in her mouth, cuts on her lips, and bruises and red marks all over her body, matched her allegations. Tracy Lee said she was interviewed over two days, again without an adult present. Police questioned inconsistencies in her statement, with the trauma affecting her ability to remember some details. 'They were implying because I got in the car on my own, it was consensual and that maybe it just became a misunderstanding along the way,' she said. Loading 'I got it in my head that maybe I did ask for it.' On January 17, 2000 – 10 months before the first of many charges would be brought against Skaf for other attacks – Tracy Lee said a detective encouraged her to drop her case. 'He made me sign a little piece of paper in his little book to say I wasn't going to pursue it any further,' she said. No charges were ever laid over Tracy Lee's allegations. It took Tracy Lee years of therapy and reflection to understand what happened to her wasn't her fault. In 2019, she spoke to Nine's A Current Affair, and police reopened her case. But her clothes and oral swabs had been destroyed, and the inconsistencies in her initial statement made the case impossible to pursue, she said. 'I was very let down by the police. They made me feel like I was a criminal,' she said. Head of the NSW Sex Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, said Tracey Lee's experience would not have happened today. Doherty headed the Sexual Violence Project in 2021, implementing reforms to raise awareness of the seriousness of sexual violence and enforce a victim-centric and trauma-informed response within the force. Victims are now taken into a dedicated room with soft furnishings and are interviewed by two detectives. Since 2024, all detectives have had to complete the adult sexual violence investigators courses. The sex crimes squad and a dedicated station officer review each case to ensure the appropriate steps have been taken. 'We push a victim-centric approach, and we never blame victims,' Doherty said. Victims are informed about the investigation process, referred to victim services, and asked to provide evidence. The police gather evidence independently of the victim and store it if an investigation stalls. Loading A case can only be closed if an exceptional clearance panel, consisting of an independent victim services representative, agrees that no further steps can be taken. 'We are more professional with it, recognise that it is a serious criminal offence, and put that much more effort into it,' Doherty said. A review into the NSW Police Force culture is currently under way following reviews in 2019 and 2020, which raised questions about a culture of 'sexual harassment' and a 'boy's club'. 'We are constantly learning we're not perfect. People expect more, and they should expect more from police. So we will keep doing our best to improve,' Doherty said. 'We're always willing to hear from victims, and it's never too late to report.' Doherty advises victims who don't believe police have responded to their complaint appropriately to speak with the station's sergeant or duty officer, and to contact victim services to advocate on their behalf. Complaints can also be escalated to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission. How sex crimes complaints are handled by NSW police Victims report the crime to a local police station and speak with an officer, and may be referred to the hospital for a rape kit. If no detectives are on duty, they are called in. Two detectives trained in sexual violence take a statement in a specialist room. The victim is given a pamphlet explaining the police process and support services available. The Sex Crimes Squad reviews cases within 24 hours and provides support to detectives as needed. The squad takes over the investigation for complex cases. A dedicated station officer also reviews the case to ensure it has been handled appropriately and referred to detectives. Evidence is taken with the victim's consent, and an investigation commences. Charges are brought when possible. If a full investigation cannot be completed, the evidence is stored for future use. If no charges can be brought, the case is reviewed by an exceptional clearance panel, consisting of senior police officers and an independent representative from victim services, before the case is closed. Karen Iles is a survivor of gang rape and director of Violet Co legal and consulting. She said some of her clients have experienced victim blaming or being turned away by police. Loading Iles is calling for compensation payments to be increased from $10,000, for victims to be paired with a lawyer from the start, as recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission, and for a reform to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission so complaints aren't investigated by the same station where the complaint was made. 'One in four women has experienced sexual violence. The resources should reflect that,' she said.
The Age
27-06-2025
- The Age
Tracy Lee was attacked by the Skaf rape gang. The horror didn't stop there
'I vividly remember thinking that as a 15-year-old.' At the police station, Tracy Lee gave a brief statement. She said she offered police her clothes as forensic evidence, but said they didn't ask for it. She grew up in foster care, and no adult was present; she felt police judged her because of this. A sexual assault service expert certificate cited by this masthead found her physical injuries, including haemorrhages in her mouth, cuts on her lips, and bruises and red marks all over her body, matched her allegations. Tracy Lee said she was interviewed over two days, again without an adult present. Police questioned inconsistencies in her statement, with the trauma affecting her ability to remember some details. 'They were implying because I got in the car on my own, it was consensual and that maybe it just became a misunderstanding along the way,' she said. Loading 'I got it in my head that maybe I did ask for it.' On January 17, 2000 – 10 months before the first of many charges would be brought against Skaf for other attacks – Tracy Lee said a detective encouraged her to drop her case. 'He made me sign a little piece of paper in his little book to say I wasn't going to pursue it any further,' she said. No charges were ever laid over Tracy Lee's allegations. It took Tracy Lee years of therapy and reflection to understand what happened to her wasn't her fault. In 2019, she spoke to Nine's A Current Affair, and police reopened her case. But her clothes and oral swabs had been destroyed, and the inconsistencies in her initial statement made the case impossible to pursue, she said. 'I was very let down by the police. They made me feel like I was a criminal,' she said. Head of the NSW Sex Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, said Tracey Lee's experience would not have happened today. Doherty headed the Sexual Violence Project in 2021, implementing reforms to raise awareness of the seriousness of sexual violence and enforce a victim-centric and trauma-informed response within the force. Victims are now taken into a dedicated room with soft furnishings and are interviewed by two detectives. Since 2024, all detectives have had to complete the adult sexual violence investigators courses. The sex crimes squad and a dedicated station officer review each case to ensure the appropriate steps have been taken. 'We push a victim-centric approach, and we never blame victims,' Doherty said. Victims are informed about the investigation process, referred to victim services, and asked to provide evidence. The police gather evidence independently of the victim and store it if an investigation stalls. Loading A case can only be closed if an exceptional clearance panel, consisting of an independent victim services representative, agrees that no further steps can be taken. 'We are more professional with it, recognise that it is a serious criminal offence, and put that much more effort into it,' Doherty said. A review into the NSW Police Force culture is currently under way following reviews in 2019 and 2020, which raised questions about a culture of 'sexual harassment' and a 'boy's club'. 'We are constantly learning we're not perfect. People expect more, and they should expect more from police. So we will keep doing our best to improve,' Doherty said. 'We're always willing to hear from victims, and it's never too late to report.' Doherty advises victims who don't believe police have responded to their complaint appropriately to speak with the station's sergeant or duty officer, and to contact victim services to advocate on their behalf. Complaints can also be escalated to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission. How sex crimes complaints are handled by NSW police Victims report the crime to a local police station and speak with an officer, and may be referred to the hospital for a rape kit. If no detectives are on duty, they are called in. Two detectives trained in sexual violence take a statement in a specialist room. The victim is given a pamphlet explaining the police process and support services available. The Sex Crimes Squad reviews cases within 24 hours and provides support to detectives as needed. The squad takes over the investigation for complex cases. A dedicated station officer also reviews the case to ensure it has been handled appropriately and referred to detectives. Evidence is taken with the victim's consent, and an investigation commences. Charges are brought when possible. If a full investigation cannot be completed, the evidence is stored for future use. If no charges can be brought, the case is reviewed by an exceptional clearance panel, consisting of senior police officers and an independent representative from victim services, before the case is closed. Karen Iles is a survivor of gang rape and director of Violet Co legal and consulting. She said some of her clients have experienced victim blaming or being turned away by police. Loading Iles is calling for compensation payments to be increased from $10,000, for victims to be paired with a lawyer from the start, as recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission, and for a reform to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission so complaints aren't investigated by the same station where the complaint was made. 'One in four women has experienced sexual violence. The resources should reflect that,' she said.
Associated Press
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Transforming Outdoor Living: Sylvox Showcases Cutting-Edge Outdoor TVs at HPBExpo 2025
Where 'Bring the Good Times Home' Meets 'Feel Good, Live Outdoors'. NEW ORLEANS, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sylvox, a global leader in Outdoor TV technology, is set to make a strong impression at HPBExpo 2025, the premier trade show for the hearth, patio, and barbecue industries. Taking place March 27–29 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the event aligns perfectly with Sylvox's mission to 'Feel Good, Live Outdoors,' and HPBExpo's theme of 'Bring the Good Times Home.' At the exhibition, Sylvox will showcase its highly anticipated Cinema Series and Gaming Series Outdoor TVs, as well as its Kitchen TV, Bathroom TV, and Portable TV lines. Unlike traditional indoor-focused TV brands, Sylvox is engineered specifically for the outdoors, offering a complete range of durable, weatherproof entertainment solutions. HPBExpo 2025 provides the ideal platform for Sylvox to demonstrate these innovations in action. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the durability, brightness, smart features, and outdoor-specific engineering that set Sylvox apart in the Outdoor TV category. Spotlight on Featured Outdoor TVs at HPBExpo 2025: Cinema Series Outdoor TV- 'Cinema Under the Open Skies' The Sylvox Cinema Series transforms outdoor spaces into theaters with revolutionary Helio QLED technology. Featuring up to 5000-nit brightness and theater-grade features, it delivers immersive movie nights under the stars, vibrant sports viewing in bright daylight, and stunning entertainment for outdoor gatherings year-round. Engineered for all-weather durability with IP55 protection, this series brings theater-quality experiences to your backyard, with prices starting at $2799. The flagship Cinema Pro 110 includes comprehensive care coverage with professional installation, priority support, and exclusive member benefits. Gaming Series Outdoor TV- 'Games and Sports in the Great Outdoors'. A fusion of professional gaming performance and weatherproof durability, optimized for outdoor enthusiasts, Sylvox introduces the Gaming Series, delivering ultra-low latency (<8ms) and a 120Hz refresh rate for seamless performance. Paired with weatherproof IP55-rated durability, this series offers the ultimate outdoor gaming and sports-viewing experience in the backyard, patio, or poolside, starting at $1999. 'At Sylvox, we believe outdoor living should be as seamless and high-quality as indoor experiences,' said Tracy Lee, Co-Founder & CMO at Sylvox. 'After our impactful debut at CES, HPBExpo 2025 is a key milestone in our journey to bring Sylvox innovations into the heart of outdoor living culture.' Visit Sylvox at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Halls D-E-F, Booth #2007 to see the latest advancements in outdoor entertainment and experience firsthand how Sylvox is shaping the future of Outdoor TV technology. About Sylvox Founded in 2009 by Golden Young, Sylvox is dedicated to inspiring well-being and connection through cutting-edge outdoor technology. With a presence in over 100 countries, we've grown into a trusted global brand offering state-of-the-art weatherproof outdoor TVs that transform outdoor spaces into immersive entertainment hubs. Partnering with leading retailers worldwide, Sylvox combines innovation, durability, and sustainability to create premium outdoor entertainment solutions accessible to all. Guided by Accessibility, Well-being, Innovation, and Sustainability, they're not just a TV brand—they're redefining how technology connects people with the outdoors.
CBC
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
New concert celebrates journey from enslavement to freedom in Canada
When Tracy Lee began researching her family's history, she didn't know what she'd find. But slowly, a powerful story of triumph over adversity began to unfold: a story about the journey from enslavement to freedom in Canada. The Guelph-based writer and performer often tells her story in schools, but has now for the first time turned that history into a full concert experience. She'll be performing I Sing Because I'm Free at the Registry Theatre in Kitchener on Sunday.
