FORMER volunteers of Newcastle-based anti-sexual violence group What Were You Wearing? Australia say there are critical gaps and "unanswered questions" in an apology video posted to social media by the organisation's founder Sarah Williams.
The video was in response to allegations of financial obscurity, risks of retraumatisation and claims Ms Williams fostered an environment of "gossip, bullying and lying" revealed after a months-long Newcastle Herald investigation.
"First, I want to acknowledge the experiences of some of our ex-volunteers, who felt hurt during their time with us," Ms Williams said in the video.
"I'm truly sorry that they had that experience, I'm young and I started this organisation at a very young age, not knowing how big it would become or how quickly it would grow.
"There were times when the lack of systems, structure and proper governance definitely led to boundaries being blurred which resulted in this hurt, but I never intended for this to happen, I regret any hurt that has been caused and I'm truly sorry."
The apology comes almost six months after the Herald exposed the experiences of numerous people who left What Were You Wearing? (WWYW), many of whom were survivors of sexual violence themselves.
Esther Holmes is a former WWYW volunteer and a spokeswoman for United Survivors, a social media page operated by ex-volunteers documenting their experiences with the organisation.
Speaking on behalf of United Survivors, Ms Holmes said Ms Williams is yet to personally reach out to the volunteers affected.
"It is important to distinguish between mere administrative inexperience and the serious issues raised here: a pattern of abuse and harassment that impacted over 50 individuals, and deliberate actions that misled the public," she said.
"These actions extend far beyond administrative mistakes, lack of governance or the blurring of boundaries."
One of the biggest achievements WWYW claims to date is amending the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), garnering more than 20,000 signatures for a state government petition demanding mandatory spiking and sexual violence training for security and bar staff.
Former volunteers allege at least hundreds of those email signatures were forged.
In the video, Ms Williams said like with all allegations, WWYW took the claims "extremely seriously" and conducted a third-party investigation.
"It was important to our team that we had someone who was not linked to us and also a professional to do this investigation," she said.
"We are implementing ethics training for all of our volunteers."
The Newcastle Herald has obtained messages discussing the petition, where WWYW's chief financial officer Ethan Fraser writes in one online chat, referring to email addresses for the petition, "Yeah just make them up! Or literally put the fake ones in hahsha [sic] as long as they follow the structure of an email they will work".
In an online chat, Ms Williams reacts with a love heart to a message from another volunteer that says: "Can we just make up emails? I mean the intention is there for them to be included!"
The Herald reached out to Ms Williams with questions about a number of issues addressed in the video, including who conducted the third-party investigation and what the outcome of the investigation was.
Questions were raised about the systems and governance the organisation says it has put in place, who the members of the growing board and management team Ms Williams references in the video are and what policies and procedures the organisation has implemented since January.
Ms Williams was also asked for further information about what income statements from fundraising events have been shared, when and with whom, and how much money WWYW has raised through donations, fundraising events and financial grants.
A request was also made for a detailed breakdown of how WWYW's funds have been utilised.
WWYW declined to comment.
In the video, Ms Williams said that since January this year, WWYW has taken steps to put in place the systems and governance it didn't have before, had implemented policies and procedures and will "continue to strive" to be a supportive organisation.
In addressing concerns around financial practices, Ms Williams said WWYW has "always remained transparent" sharing income statements from fundraising events and being honest about where its "very minimal donations", grants and fundraising money goes.
"These funds go directly towards our services, our healing groups and the work that drives our mission forward," she said.
Ms Williams said WWYW's final year report will be available at its AGM and said a third-party accountant will oversee its finances going forward.
"The accusation that I misappropriated $120,000 is simply untrue," she said.
The Herald has never claimed Ms Williams misappropriated $120,000.
Ms Holmes said United Survivors feels key details are yet to be clarified around the investigation into alleged forged signatures, alleged misappropriation of funds and concerns around leadership and safety.
"Based on documented instances of abuse and manipulation, Sarah Williams has not demonstrated the qualities necessary for a leadership position, particularly in a role responsible for overseeing vulnerable individuals," she said.
"Her video neither addressed nor acknowledged these critical issues; instead, it largely avoided them."
Ms Holmes said organisations claiming to provide "Safe Spaces" must adhere to the highest standards of safety, competence and transparency.
"Unfortunately, WWYW's actions, along with Sarah Williams' continued position, raise serious concerns about its ability to fulfil this mission," she said.
In the video, Ms Williams said there are not many accessible courses for young people on how to run a non-profit.
She said she takes "full responsibility" that the lack of governance and structure was "poor" but said she is grateful to the current team and the governance they have developed.
