The jury in the Bruce Lehrmann rape trial was dismissed on Thursday over fears of misconduct by a juror.
Lehrmann has denied any sexual interaction and opted not to give evidence in his defence during the trial.
Ms Higgins addressed the media after leaving the Supreme Court in Canberra, saying she chose to speak up against injustice and share her experience with others.
"Today's outcome does not change that truth," she told reporters.
Ms Higgins said she never properly understood the criminal justice system until taking part in the trial.
"I was required to tell the truth under oath for over a week in the witness stand, I was cross-examined at length," she said.
"He was afforded the choice of staying silent in court, head down in a notebook, completely detached. He never faced one question in court about his story and the criminal charges."
Unlike the accused, Ms Higgins said she was required to surrender her telephones, passwords, messages, photos and private data.
"My life has been publicly scrutinised, open for the world to see," she said.
"His was not."
Ms Higgins acknowledged the case had sometimes been labelled the "Higgins trial" in the media over the last few weeks.
"But I don't blame you because it's very clear who has been on trial," she said.
"He hasn't had to be publicly accountable for his actions or any part of his story."
Ms Higgins said it was the reality of how complainants in sexual assault cases were treated.
"Their lives are torn apart, their friends and families are called to witness stand and the accused has the legal right to say absolutely nothing," she said.
"Like all women who experience sexual violence, I knew the odds were stacked against me. The criminal justice system has long failed to deliver outcomes to victims of sexual assault."
Ms Higgins said conviction rates in rape cases were a "national shame" and thanked other women who had come forward to share their experiences.
She also thanked members of the public who had rallied behind her, the Department of Public Prosecutions, her family and friends, and the court officers who treated her with care and respect.
Defence lawyer Steven Whybrow also addressed the media outside court, while Lehrmann remained silent.
"We're disappointed by what's happened, but it would be inappropriate and irresponsible to say anything at this stage," Mr Whybrow told reporters.
A new trial has been set down for February 20 next year.
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