Grace Tame was just 15 when she became the sexual target of her maths teacher, more than 40 years her senior.
He has since been jailed for rape and grooming, but Tasmanian Ms Tame's battle has continued as an advocate for survivors of sexual assault.
Her personal experience sparked the #LetHerSpeak campaign, which aimed to challenge laws preventing victims of sexual assault from publicly discussing the crimes.
Ms Tame, 25, from Hobart, launched a successful Supreme Court bid to publicly self-identify as a rape survivor and the public awareness campaign has continued.
The campaign has included media appearances and speaking engagements.
For her efforts, Ms Tame was on Friday named Tasmanian Australian of the Year and will be among the finalists in Canberra in January for the naming of the Australian of the Year.
In other categories, Brian Williams was named Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year for his half-century devotion to the Scouts movement.
Eighteen-year-old Toby Thorpe is the Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year for his initiatives driving interest in renewable energy.
Edna Pennicott was named the state's Local Hero for her work helping people in financial hardship, including operating an after-hours mobile hot food service for rough sleepers.
WINNERS
Tasmanian Australian of the Year - Grace Tame
Tasmanian Senior of the Year - Brian Williams
Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year - Toby Thorpe
TAsmanian Local Hero - Edna Pennicott
