04/07/2024
GAME OVER
GAME OVER.
We can confirm that the Department of Correctional Services has advised us that the Monster whose name does not deserve mentioning has passed away in prison whilst serving his sentence.
We started this campaign several years ago with the message that victims receive a life sentence, whilst their abusers never do. Ironically, for this particular Monster, he did receive a life sentence. He died in jail just weeks after being denied parole.
Most survivors of childhood s*xual abuse will never see their abusers found guilty. On the rare occasion of a conviction being recorded pa******les usually receive pathetically small sentences in comparison to the enormous damage they inflict. It's not fair. It's not what our community expects. It needs to change.
Today is not a victory for us, or any other survivor of childhood s*xual abuse. It is, however, another important touchstone along the windy road we are walking. It's also another stark reminder that there will always be evil people within our community who seek to prey upon the most vulnerable.
We also take this moment to remember all survivors of childhood s*xual abuse, and most importantly those who have not survived. One of our dear childhood friends took his life after being abused by the same Monster who abused us. We celebrate his life, grieve of his loss, and wrap our arms around his family and friends.
Parents, talk to your children. Talk often. Protect them.
Police, prevent crimes when you can and be relentless in your pursuit of them when abuse occurs. Be compassionate when interviewing survivors of childhood s*xual abuse. Some may be adults now, but they are re-living this through the heart and mind of a child.
Lawmakers, continue to tighten the belt. Close the loopholes. Set the standards our community expects.
Judges, please make sentences for child abusers commensurate with the damage they inflict. Set new precedents. The gap is currently far too wide.
We wish to thank the many family, friends and supporters who have shared this journey with us and given us the courage to keep fighting. Especially to our wives and children, thank you. You stood by us. You're still standing there. We are forever grateful.
Thank you to the police who gathered evidence, the legal team who recorded the conviction, and the Judge who presided with compassion and common sense.
Thank you to the journalists and media personalities who told our story with such sensitivity and respect. Sean Fewster, you really were the backbone of this. You never gave up on us or our story. David Penberthy, you're a champion bloke and human being. Ali Clarke, you were warm and understanding when we needed it most. Deanna Williams, you are a special type of reporter and a wonderful human. Amanda Gearing, your tenacity to research and write is unparalleled.
Thank you to the politicians who heard our call for action, and enacted legal change in this area. Still more needs to be done, but it's a solid start. Thank you to Terry Stephens, you listed and acted first. Thank you to Vickie Chapman and Kyam Maher, you both listened and passed important bills through parliament. Kyam, you continue to fight for us and others. Thank you.
Who knows where the next fork in the road will take us. We will let you know when we get there.
Thank you to everyone again.
A + B
