Forgotten Australians still carry deep trauma from their childhood in care
More than half a million Australians placed in orphanages and institutions before 1990 struggle with ongoing abuse and psychological wounds.
Reported by The GuardianClaims checked against the source, 21 h ago.
ShareWhy it matters
Hundreds of thousands of Australians carry hidden trauma few understand, and the system that hurt them can trigger those wounds again as they age.
In Australia. As Forgotten Australians enter aged care, their institutions-based trauma can resurface. Services, staff and communities need to understand and respond to this rarely-discussed pain.
Key facts
- Many of them faced abuse, neglect or both.
- Despite a 2009 government apology and multiple inquiries, their trauma remains poorly known and little understood.
- Judy Leonard entered an orphanage and was called only by her bed number: C2.
- Dean Wise fled sexual abuse.
- He hid in foster care, only to face more abuse in an institution because authorities did not listen.
- Toni Brown was sent to a remand centre after being caught as an underage sex worker.
- She was criminalised for being a victim and was raped by an officer there.
- Now many face aged care with memories that can suddenly resurface.
- They meet incomprehension from staff and society.
