Grace Tame Has Delivered A Powerful Speech At Her Old High School
“Evil thrives in silence."
Australian of the Year Grace Tame has delivered a powerful speech to the senior students and staff of her old school in Hobart.
Tame attended St Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart, where she was groomed and sexually abused by a teacher over a six month period at the age of 15. The teacher was 58.
“Until two weeks ago, I hadn’t stepped foot on this campus in years,” she told the students at her former school. “We all know why I’m uneasy. And it has nothing to do with anybody in this room. He’s been in here though; in this very hall. He’s stood on this stage, right here at this lectern, and sat on those chairs. I remember him playing that piano. And I can still feel his eyes watching me as he did.
“For nearly 20 years — from 1992 to 2011, a serial paedophile was able to operate within these walls in plain sight by way of calculated psychological manipulation.
“He used anyone and anything that stood in his way. With threats and fake charm he fuelled the doubt, the denial and the dismissal. He drove the abuse by weaponising fear and secrecy.”
Tame also spoke about her experiences after coming forward with her story, which included being called a “home wrecker” and a “slut” — despite clearly being a victim of child sex abuse.
“After I reported, even though the police found him with 28 multimedia files of child exploitation material on his computer — including a trophy file of other students, topless — many blamed me for what happened and I was ostracised.”
Ultimately, Tame’s experiences led to her dropping out of high school and turning to alcohol and drugs to cope with the trauma.
“I drank, cut myself, slept out of a car, dyed my hair, got ugly tattoos, and dressed like someone I wasn’t — none of which made me any cooler, happier, or eased any of the pain,” she said.
Thankfully, she was eventually able to complete her studies at another school, where she graduated with a near-perfect ATAR and ultimately went on to be recognised as Australian of the Year.
“Evil thrives in silence. Silence and inaction … As we know, this institution is no exception. I am one of at least five girls who were targeted, conditioned and exploited here,” she said.
If you need support, both Lifeline on 13 11 14 and the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 offer 24-hour assistance. For further information about youth mental health, both Headspace and Reach Out can provide guidance. You can also talk to a medical professional or someone you trust.