Shattered silence: Deanne’s story of survival and justice

Childhood is one of the most precious and innocent times in our lives - a period cherished by many Australians as they learn, play, and explore.

At just three years old, Deanne was ripped from her family home and placed into state care.

It was then, as a ward of the Western Australian state, that Deanne endured severe physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect at the hands of the adults made responsible for her protection and care.

Deanne suffered horrific abuse in three separate, successive placements. This abuse and neglect spanned most of her childhood, escalating as she got older, until she finally left State care as a teenager.

A tale of bravery and betrayal

Sadly, many vulnerable children in care struggle to reveal what is truly happening to them in abusive situations.

Despite her young age, Deanne found the courage to speak out. On multiple occasions, she bravely reported the abuse, only to have her cries for help left unheard. Alarmingly, these reports were not acted upon while Deanne was at risk.

“It was shattering, I did feel very unloved growing up”, says Deanne.

The trauma Deanne suffered in childhood would go on to shape the course of her life. Though school records revealed a high intelligence, the weight of her past cast a long shadow over her future.

As Deanne reached adulthood the impacts on her mental health were detrimental, affecting her development, confidence and ability to trust others. Despite her potential, the scars of her early years made completing tertiary education incredibly challenging.

Seeking justice

Forced to suffer silently throughout her formative years and into her early adulthood, Deanne was unaware that there was anything that could be done about her horrific past experiences.

After learning about Maurice Blackburn’s experience with institutionalised childhood abuse, Deanne made the brave decision to break her silence, pick up the phone, and tell her story once more.

For survivors of abuse, the first step in sharing their story can be overwhelming, often forcing them to relive their traumatic memories. Deanne needed a safe, supportive environment where she could share her experiences without fear of judgment.

It quickly became evident that the state of Western Australia had failed in its parental role to provide a safe and nurturing environment for Deanne. Instead of experiencing the freedom to grow, learn and explore like her peers, she endured systemic neglect and abuse.

Deanne recounted her experience with Maurice Blackburn, as the little girl who once needed that protection could now speak her truth: “I felt like a little girl being protected.”

With institutional childhood abuse, there are a range of options for survivors to seek the justice they deserve. In Deanne’s case, that meant securing a lump sum compensation via a common law claim against the State. However, no amount of compensation can erase the pain and trauma Deanne endured during her childhood.

Deanne’s story is a powerful reminder that institutionalised childhood abuse is not a historical issue – it sadly continues to occur across Australia today. 

Hope for the future

Deanne’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. Now in her 30s, Deanne’s strength and confidence has been pivotal in her community advocacy work, and together with her loving partner, she has dedicated her life to fostering a safe and loving home with her five children.

Deanne hopes that publicising her story will inspire and embolden other younger people who have been impacted by child sexual abuse to consider lodging a civil claim, rather than a redress claim, as an avenue for justice. Determined to break the cycle of institutional childhood abuse, she aims to further her advocacy by working with Aboriginal organisations or government agencies to identify Aboriginal kids at risk of sexual abuse in out-of-home care.

“By holding them accountable, they are going to be forced to change… forced to pay attention to children”. Says Deanne. 

No child should ever have to endure the trauma of neglect or abuse. If you or someone you love has suffered childhood abuse, know that you are not alone, and we can help. Contact us for a confidential discussion to find out what options are available.