Tessa Sullivan speaks out: Former councillor’s life ‘ripped apart’

The woman who’s accused former Lord Mayor Robert Doyle of sexual harassment says she’s been forced to move to her mother’s house, and her husband has fielded up to 100 calls per day from media.

Tessa Sullivan, who went public with her claims against Robert Doyle 11 weeks ago, has today told The Age her life has been ripped apart since speaking out.

She said intense public interest has forced her family to move to mother’s house, and twice rent properties at Mount Martha.

It’s only the second time she has spoken out, taking to Twitter earlier in the week to lambaste reporting of her case, and to clarify that her mother’s maiden name is Doyle.

The lawyer, 34, says she had no choice but to go public with her allegation because, under the City of Melbourne’s code of conduct, any issues are supposed to be reported to the Lord Mayor.

Ms Sullivan says she and the other women who have made accusations haven’t been given any information on the findings of a report into the claims.

Mr Doyle, who has been treated in hospital for stress since allegations surfaced, denies all claims of wrongdoing.