Our lawyers have represented numerous individuals who experienced horrifying abuse and violence during their training. New recruits were often subjected to extreme violence and humiliating sexual assaults that were passed off as hazing and initiation rituals. Others fell victim to sexual assaults by senior officers, who used their seniority to prey on those beneath them in the hierarchy.

We have also represented many courageous women who have stepped forward to shine a light on the serious sexual abuse they experienced while serving our country.

Too often the stories of these women are chillingly similar- sexual assault by a male ADF member who is then protected from any serious consequences. In many cases, it was the survivor, rather than perpetrator, who faced sanction and punishment. Those who spoke up often faced threats to withdraw their complaint, or else risk their career.

Many survivors stay silent for years, even decades. They feel a sense of shame, guilt and embarrassment that was never theirs to bear. What happened is not your fault. You were taken advantage of by predators and let down by a system that should have known better. You deserved better and are entitled to justice.

It is never too late to come forward. It doesn’t matter where and it doesn’t matter when.

Our lawyers have won compensation for survivors of Defence Force abuse across Australia. We have pursued cases as far back as the 1960s and as recent as the 2020s.

Some of the ADF cases we have pursued involved:

• HMAS Leeuwin
• Balcombe Army Apprentice School
• Australian Defence Force Cadets.
• Kapooka

These are just some of many. To find out more about our experience with Defence Force abuse, click here.