It was a landmark case that successfully found the father guilty? So why can't I stop thinking about it? If only a teacher found out!!
The 33 year old victim in this story is the father's daughter, she was horrendously abused sexually, physically, emotionally and mentally every day for 10 years in the 70's and 80's. https://7news.com.au/news/crime/woman-describes-fathers-monstrous-abuse-c-142120
She should have turned into a quivering helpless beaten down child who had no self-worth. But she didn't, she was resilient, she created a fantasy in her head, and in this fantasy she had a lot of friends who helped her though the daily torture. There were 2,500 of them.
These friends were alter egos, personalities she created to help her cope and stay alive. Her name is Jeni Hayes and she has been diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder.
The good thing is that the 74 year old father is now facing the consequences of his heinous crimes, so bad that they cannot be revealed.. Jeni Hayes was permitted to testify against her father as a valid and reliable witness with her 2,500 personalities helping her.
I can't help but think of the mother of this little girl. Where was she? Why did she not know? Was she a victim too? What about the teachers? Did they see something wrong as this little girl became different personalities? How was she able to learn? I am finding it hard to let this story go. No one protected her, no-one stopped this depraved man from hurting. No-one brought him to justice then.
The 70's and 80's were the decades before the introduction of 'Child Protection Laws.' They are laws that are designed to protect children form birth to 18 years old from abuse perpetrated on them by adults. Teachers in all Australian States are trained in child protection; and mandated to report to the principal any information and suspicion of child abuse. The Education system works hand in hand with the Department of Child Safety and the police.
But, there is a downside and that is if a child does not talk then naught can be done. Teachers can only be vigilant to spot any changes in learning and behaviour and sometimes they don't see it. Yes, there are flaws but we can never give up. Little children need us to keep them safe.
Cheers and Blessings
Absolutely. We need to be more protective of our children and not just our own children but all the children, especially when we see the children unhappy, or are having trouble at school or just sad all the time.
It is our job. All of us need to help because there are so many children that go through this kind of abuse at home, which I will never, ever understand.
Hi @joalvarez, you are so right, it is a community responsibility. If the teachers are not clued in maybe a family member, a doctor or friend can pick it up. I know that the kids are too scared. We all need too vigilant. All our children are precious.
This is a terrible thing for the girl to endure and it has affected her life and health.
Parents are expected to protect their children and as I read the article I also wondered where the mother was. This SOB of a father should be tarred and feathered and hung up by his testicles...I’m really angry!!!
Yes, yes and yes. I would love to hear the mother talk. I always knew when I worked in schools that there were children being abused and we cannot a damn thing until we knew.
Howdy angiemitchell! wow, this girl went to public school and none of the teachers saw anything unusual or suspicious?
that's hard to believe, I don't blame you for not being able to stop thinking about it!
By the way, did you ever run into any kids with Dissociative Identity Disorder?
Hi janton, and no not in primary school. They would be too young to be diagnosed at this time. My understanding is the it is an adult diagnosis.
Unless children talk about abuse teachers do not normally know. It was in the 70's and 80's that the abuse occurred fo this lady.
Howdy today angiemitchell! oh ok, that makes sense. I hope this lady's story is the last one we hear like it.
I hope so janton but ....... there is a dark side to some people
yes that is so true, a portion of the world is getting darker and sicker it seems. Everyone just needs to follow Austalia's lead, you guys have it together more than most countries I think! lol.
Hiya janton, I hope so but not too sure about that one. I just know that there are a heck of good people in all countries and we can't let the baddies ever win.
that's true but in so many places it seems like an uphill battle!
That's true but in so
Many places it seems like
An uphill battle!
- janton
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