Fiona Byrne: Tom Silvagni’s criminal act is deep, lasting and devastating for his victim, and his family
Tom Silvagni’s rape conviction has left devastation on all sides, with his victim forced to navigate life after his evil acts and his parents placed in an impossible position after his unspeakable crime.
So much pain, so much hurt, so many tears and so many lives changed forever, the impact of convicted rapist Tom Silvagni’s criminal act is deep, lasting and divisive.
The emotional and painful toll of his evil actions have been on raw public display in recent days.
His brave and resilient victim, who still cannot be named, fought back tears as she read her victim impact statement to Victoria’s County Court on Friday, saying the January 2024 incident had shattered her life and would haunt her forever.
“Your actions that night have changed the way I trust, the way I sleep and the way I move through the world now,” the young woman said.
“I so desperately want my life back, the life I had before you took it away. That moment haunts me every single day.”
There must also be tremendous pain felt by her friends, family and loved ones who have watched her go through hell.
And then later outside the court there were more tears as Silvagni’s devastated father, former AFL champion Stephen, broke down while, with his wife Jo by his side, he said his son would consider appealing the verdict.
“We all love and support our son,” the Carlton great said.
“Our son continues to maintain his innocence.
“We stand firmly behind him.
“Our goal is to clear his name and bring him home.”
They are broken too.
Devastation on all sides.
It is impossible not to be deeply moved by the strength and courage of the victim who has fought to have Tom Silvagni held responsible for his vile actions and endured a harrowing experience in the legal system, as all victims do.
It is also understandable to be moved by the awful position Stephen and Jo Silvagni, as parents who love their son and are proud of their family, find themselves in and why they would publicly pledge to stand by their disgraced son.
Their son has done something unspeakable. Their lives have been forever altered by his actions.
To be clear, I am not suggesting any sympathy for Tom. He has been tried by the court and found guilty on two counts of rape.
But the verdict is causing mixed feelings for many, particularly parents.
It has families everywhere talking.
No parent wants their children to do wrong, no parent wants their child to be hurt and the dread of something happening to a child, or an action occurring that can’t be undone, lies in all loving mums and dads.
You can be appalled by the crime and feel Tom deserves not a skerrick of sympathy, you can powerfully support the victim and be incredibly moved by her courage and you can also feel for Stephen and Jo Silvagni and the tears they shed.
So much pain, so much hurt, so many tears and so many lives changed forever.
