Immense empathy for my feelings and emotions during each stage of the legal case.

While attending The Scots College in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, a so-called elite private school, I was abused by a teacher while on a school camp in Central Australia. I am not sure why, but I did not tell anybody about the abuse and still, my family does not know. The abuse itself was not physically traumatic, but the emotional effect turned out to be much more significant. Upon returning from the camp, I started to withdraw from school life – I stopped playing my favourite sports and no longer participated in classroom activities. Convinced that I was incapable of academic success and sensing that something must be different about me, I left school in year 10 with very low confidence and with the belief that I was incapable of success.

Survivors of sexual abuse are confronted with their own set of unique challenges – for me, it is social anxiety. Both socially and professionally, I find it very difficult to be part of and engage in small and large groups of people. Attending meetings and parties can be a source of immense dread and physical anxiety. The inability to think clearly and to breathe with ease in these situations can be crippling. This is something I still struggle with 35 years later.

When I first approached Koffels for advice regarding compensation for the abuse that I experienced, I was very apprehensive. I did not want to embark on a multi-year legal case that was not guaranteed to be successful. Plus, I was also concerned about the emotional and financial expense the experience might cause.

Upon reflecting on my experience with Koffels and Marea Hickie in particular, what stands out the most is their immense empathy for my feelings and emotions during each stage of the legal case. I felt like their empathy was sincere and genuine. In addition to this, all decisions that were to be made throughout the case were presented to me and were ultimately up to me to make – I never felt any pressure from Koffels at all. Marea was also very mindful of my social anxiety, something for which I am very grateful.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse and you are considering embarking on this journey, based on my personal experience, I would highly recommend Koffels. I would also be happy to discuss my experience with you in greater detail if need be.