ADF abuse victim breaks down reading poem about his experience

A VICTIM of sexual abuse within the ADF broke down in tears while reading a poem to the Royal Commission about his abuser.

The entrance to the Army Apprentices School, Balcombe, where CJC says he was abused.

WARNING: Graphic content.

A VICTIM of sexual abuse within the Australian Defence Force has broken down in tears on the stand while reciting a poem about his abuser.

The man, who adopted the pseudonym CJC, was giving evidence on day three of the Royal Commission into sexual abuse within the ADF.

The witness was a former apprentice at the Army Apprentice School, Balcolme, in Victoria, an institution within which a decade of abuse is believed to have occurred.

On Thursday afternoon, Angus Stewart SC, counsel assisting the commission, gave CJC the floor and urged him to read the poem he had written.

Through tears, and stopping once to allow somebody else to take over, the following poem was read out.

I was once a boy, full of life and hope and plans for my years ahead,

But on several nights, my life was turned, on the floor near my guardian’s bed.

I now have a wife, and a pair of great kids, grandkids too I must add,

But I’ve failed them all, and I know it’s because of the fun that my guardian had.

I beg of you all, whatever you do, protect all kids from now on,

Because 45 years of living with shame, has certainly turned out wrong.

If you’re a victim, and sought no help, go and do it for you and me,

I didn’t, I should’ve, but I found it’ll help, form the best you that you can be.

The gallery erupted in applause when CJC had completed the reading. Earlier, the inquiry continued hearing evidence from senior officer Peter Sinclair, who was second-in-charge from 1973-1975 at HMAS Leeuwin, in Fremantle.

Mr Sinclair spoke about initiation ceremonies at the base. He said they were an “official” part of the culture there but admitted they often got “out of control”.

Commissioner Peter McClellan is overseeing the Royal Commission. Picture: AFP

The commission is examining the experiences of survivors of rape and abuse at Leeuwin between 1960-1980, the Army Apprentice School Balcolme between 1970-1980 and within cadet ranks from 2000 to present.

It follows the establishment of a taskforce in 2012 to deal with as many as 2400 historical complaints.

Thirty people are expected to give evidence before commissioners Justice Peter McClennan, Robert Fitzgerald and Professor Helen Milroy.

On Tuesday, the commission heard in graphic detail what cadets a number of cadets experienced. One of them, who adopted the pseudonym CJA, joined the Navy at Leeuwin in 1967 before he was subjected to vicious and humiliating abuse.

“On multiple occasions I was snatched in the middle of a night and dragged to a sports oval,” he said.

“I was forced to suck another recruit’s penis or lick a junior recruit’s anus ... Other times I was forced to have anal intercourse with junior recruits or I was raped by another junior recruit who was directed to do so by the older recruits or base staff.”

Another victim was 16-year-old Eleanore Tibble but she is no longer alive to tell her story. The inquiry learned that she was 14 when she joined the ADF in Hobart in 1999.

Adair Donaldson, a lawyer acting for survivors, told ABC News he hoped the royal commission would lead to action.

“What we are going to hear is a number of courageous survivors who are prepared to tell their stories about the horror they experienced,” Mr Donaldson said.

“By telling their stories, they hope that they will make a difference for the future and that what they experienced will never be experienced by any other member of the ADF.”

The hearing continues until July 1.

For support and information about suicide prevention, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.