John’s story: recovering and rebuilding after childhood abuse

“The best and worst day of my life is when someone heard my voice,” says John, recalling his first days as a nervous 12-year-old starting Year 7 at Cranbourne High School in 1978.

John’s uniquely high voice made him a target for schoolyard bullies, but it also gifted him with beautiful soprano vocals that caught people’s attention, including his music teacher ’s. John distinctly remembers being singled out by his teacher and invited to join the school choir.

“It made me feel fantastic, but that’s also the day that monster started grooming me.” 

Over the next four years, John sadly experienced sexual abuse by his music teacher on hundreds of occasions, both in and outside of the classroom. He vividly recalls the harm he experienced in the teacher’s office, on school choir excursions around Victoria, and later at home when the man was invited to stay with his family. During this time, John was also invited to the teacher’s home under the guise of choir sleepovers, where John was drugged and subsequently subjected to serious harm.

“The brutality that happened behind the closed doors of his music room is something I’ll never forget,” says John, adding that the abuse was so frequent it became his normality.

By Year 10, John left school to complete an apprenticeship, but he would never be able to leave behind the trauma caused by his abuser. 

Finding his voice again

Despite completing a cooking apprenticeship, John struggled to keep a job. He found it difficult to build relationships after his teacher repeatedly betrayed his trust. John received significant treatment for his depression and anxiety, and he experienced recurring nightmares. His marriage sadly broke down after he came out as gay. During this period, he stopped singing. 

In late 2023, John decided it was time to find his voice again. He contacted Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ policy for abuse survivors and have a dedicated trauma-informed team, to help him claim compensation for the abuse he endured. 

“This is arguably one of the most severe cases of child sexual assault and grooming I’ve come across,” says Molly Flowers, an Associate in Maurice Blackburn’s Abuse Law team.  “This perpetrator targeted vulnerable people, like John, who were being bullied. He would provide a safe haven and then exploit this by sexually abusing them in the most horrific ways.”

While investigating John’s claim, Molly uncovered evidence showing Cranbourne High School’s principal and staff knew, or ought to have suspected, the music teacher’s abusive behaviour, with other students coming forward to share their experiences.

Molly says every case is unique, and lawyers will build a case tailored to each client's circumstances. Sexual abuse survivors sometimes assume they can’t make a claim because the school or institution might no longer exist or their abuser is no longer alive, but Molly says there still may be options available to them to seek redress for their suffering.

Recognising the past

“The settlement blew me away. I nearly dropped the phone [when I heard it],” says John. “It’s going to set me up for my future.”

While a settlement would support John financially, some things are worth more than zeroes on a cheque. John wanted an apology, which is why his settlement included a formal letter from the Victorian Government apologising for their negligence and the abuse he endured. For John, recognising past wrongs will enable him to move forward with his life.

“The treatment I received from Maurice Blackburn was incredible. I’d highly recommend Molly for what she’s done for me over the last couple of years,” says John. “I hope that sharing my experience helps someone pick up the phone and call my wonderful lawyers. You’re not going to go through another 30 years of pain.”

How we can help

No child should ever have to endure the trauma of 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.