I wrote this poem in response to The Monthly article ‘The Rotten Core’ by Nick Feik (Feb, 2024).
The Cone of Silence in Tasmania
I am young, I am inexperienced, and I am vulnerable. I join a community group to further my interests and grow my abilities, I am young, passionate and naïve.
I love…
Theatre
Football
Soccer
Tennis,
Church,
School,
I am a volunteer at a ………….
(insert any community-led organisation)
I am work.
I am of an age of consent (legally) but I am inexperienced. I am vulnerable.
A member of the (insert applicable group) takes a special interest in me.
They see me. They single me out, I am groomed.
I am really honoured, and this person is very experienced in their field.
They are much older than I am.
I am 16, 17, maybe 18 or more. It doesn’t really matter what age I am as I am ripe for exploitation because of the power imbalance, because of my naivety and because of your protection.
I am young, you are older and well respected.
I am vulnerable.
You take me under your wing.
It is nice.
But then the unwanted attention starts.
Others see this in the organisation.
It has happened to many young people before.
They turn a blind eye.
They don’t want to think the worst of the perpetrators.
This person is a pillar of society, they are charming and charismatic.
They don’t want to speak out in case they are wrong.
They don’t want to be singled as not being a team player. They are silent.
I am in their … car, home, change room, office.
They are doing things I do not want.
I am scared.
I am embarrassed.
If I say something, will they turn on me?
Will I be ostracised from the organisation I love?
Who would believe me?
A young person and a much older person.
I say nothing. I bear it. I am hurt.
My hurt stays with me and I no longer want to be a part of the organisation.
I leave, leaving my dreams behind.
Leaving my trust behind.
Leave my self-respect and my respect for you behind.
I am your victim and I am damaged, you broke me.
But you?
You move on to the next apple of your eye…
When will it stop?
When will someone speak out?
When will we be safe?
The cone of silence in Tasmania.
Tammy Milne is a deaf interpreter, a community activist in various fields and a person living with Arthrogrophosis Multipex Congenita.
