Trigger warning: this story contains details of sexual abuse and self-harm, which may be distressing for some readers.
A former navy apprentice has shared the heartbreaking story of the sustained sexual abuse he suffered as a teenager during his time with the ADF.
Ken McIlwain told The Project that he was repeatedly raped by two superiors in the early 1970’s, abuse that left him with physical and psychological damage and ultimately prompted him to attempt suicide.
“About a year after I joined we moved into a new set of barracks and I used to do the ironing for one of the seniors,” Mr McIlwain said.
“I took it up one time and he usually just [paid] me a small amount of money to do it, but this time he grabbed me and threw me on the bed and had oral sex with me, telling me that was my payment. There was also someone else in the room.”
After numerous assaults, McIlwain reported the abuse to medical officers. No investigation was launched, no one was suspended. Instead, McIlwain was repeatedly prescribed with bottles of valium – a calming medication.
“I remember counting them, there was 72 [pills]. I took the whole lot to commit suicide because I was happy to go. I mean there was no way, there was no way I could get out of it,” McIlwain told The Project.