Disturbing allegations of sexual assault by Denmark tourism operator and self-proclaimed Aboriginal ‘healer’

An award-winning Aboriginal tourism operator and self-proclaimed healer from the Great Southern allegedly sexually assaulted six women as young as 18 across WA under the guise of ancient healing methods. Disturbing details emerged on the first day of a District Court trial in Albany today, where Joseph Luke “Joey” Williams is denying 12 counts of sexual penetration without consent and two counts of indecent assault. The 58-year-old allegedly assaulted the women between 2010 and 2014 in Denmark, Stirling Range National Park, Perth and Broome, with some of the allegations involving penetration by rocks which he claimed had supernatural healing powers. The State has alleged Mr Williams, who lives in Denmark, abused his cultural knowledge, manipulating young women between the ages of 18 and 34 for his own sexual gratification. State prosecutor Beau Sertorio alleged Mr Williams obtained their consent by giving them the false impression the sexual acts were part of genuine Aboriginal rituals. He told the women his methods could help heal their personal issues, such as fertility or child sexual abuse trauma. “The accused took advantage of these women and pretended to help with various personal issues,” Mr Sertorio told the court. Defence counsel Bruno Illari said his client had an “attractive personality” and “charm”, but he never claimed that having sex with him would fix the women’s problems. His client said he had not claimed to be an elder and that eight of the alleged sexual acts “never happened”. Mr Williams had engaged in a sexual relationship with each woman and each act was consensual, Mr Illari said. Two women were allegedly sexually penetrated by “special” rocks Mr Williams claimed had been passed down from his ancestors and possessed healing power. Mr Williams’ first alleged victim, who is now 38, took the stand today and recounted the five times she was allegedly sexually penetrated by the former Poornarti Aboriginal Tours operator. During her evidence, Judge Christopher Stevenson warned Mr Williams to remain emotionless during witness testimonies after he was caught laughing and smiling. “Mr Williams, this is not a joke,” Mr Stevenson said. “It is important you not interfere...witnesses can see your facial expressions, it is out of respect you sit there without any emotion and not react to what is said.” Meeting Mr Williams for the first time in April 2010 at a Denmark festival, the woman told the court Mr Williams had offered a “healing solution” to her infertility. After an escalation of sexual behaviour, the woman claimed Mr Williams said he needed to “activate her energy” by bursting a sac inside her vagina with his penis, the court was told. The woman told the court she was “naive and stupid” and believed he was trying to help her. The State drew on expert testimony from three senior Great Southern Indigenous women, who said none of the indecent and sexual acts are a part of Aboriginal culture. Mr Williams’ first alleged victim will continue her evidence tomorrow when she is set to be cross-examined by the defence. The trial continues.