Narelle Fraser Interviews

Nevada's young life was full of chaos & tragedy. His father was an alcoholic, he had siblings die as a result of drugs, a sibling went to jail for murder but surprisingly, amoungst all this, he found an escape due to his love of sport & AFL. His memories of going to the football with his dad revealed another side of his dad he didn't see enough of. Nevada found a way out of his addictions to become a social worker & counsellor with a lived experience which is invaluable.Support Services include;Lifeline 13 11 14Beyond Blue 1300 224 636Kids Helpline 1800 551 80013 YARN 13 92 761800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 (incl National Violence, Abuse & Trauma Counselling & Recovery Service)Don't Be That Man 1300 243 413Mens Referral Service 1300 766 491 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pls note: This interview is 1hr 20min in lengthLeanne experienced violence at 13yo & then battled through multiple sexual assaults, homelessness, addiction, and the overwhelmingweight of hopelessness and helplessness. Yet, against all odds, she found true love, rebuilt her life, and achieved a postgraduate qualification inmental health. Now a registered counsellor, teacher, and lecturer, Leanne uses her lived experience to help change the mindset of violent male perpetrators with some positive results.Support Services include;Lifeline 13 11 14Beyond Blue 1300 224 636Kids Helpline 1800 551 80013 YARN 13 92 761800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 (incl National Violence, Abuse & Trauma Counselling & Recovery Service)Don't Be That Man 1300 243 413Mens Referral Service 1300 766 491 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PLS NOTE: The subject of sexual assault is discussed in this podcast. Geoff Clarke has faced court numerous times in his life but its his greed & total disregard of others, particularly his own people, that finally led to him being convicted & sentenced in 2024 to a term of imprisonment for fraud & financial related crimes. It took years, but his luck finally ran out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leanne works with men who've been incarcerated due to their violent crimes. Her lived experience in this field has proved invaluable when teaching men other ways to deal with their anger & like me, I think you'll be fascinated hearing how she helps these men see their violence from another angle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Batt nicked into the Melbourne CBD for a spot of lunch on January 20, 2017 & returned from lunch a different person. He had unwittingly become involved in one of Australia's worst mass murders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Batt nicked into the Melbourne CBD for a spot of lunch on January 20, 2017 & returned from lunch a different person. He had unwittingly become involved in one of Australia's worst mass murders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Atley is the quintessential country cop. He grew up in Rochester Victoria on a dairy farm, was (and still is) part of a close family, played local footy like a lot of country kids and then his parents sold their farm and purchased a newsagency in Shepparton. John worked in the newsagent & some other short-lived careers, until this green country kid discovered the bright lights of Melbourne. John joined Victoria Police at 24 and he never knew anything else for nearly 32yrs - until just short of his 55th birthday. His first 10-12 yrs were spent Policing in Melbourne but then an opportunity arose for him to return to his roots in Rochester as a local Policeman. By then he'd met the love of his life Fiona and had a family. Their support of him and his career has never wavered and its one of the main reasons he was able to do what he loved for so long. A Police person's family have to endure and absorb much of the daily highs & lows and challenges of incidents they are exposed to, however they feel and see the results. Fiona, Ben and Tara are no different. Being a country cop has many challenges a city cop doesn't face – they often work one-up (alone) and attend incidents which involve people they know, maybe they grew up with, went to school with …..and yes, even family. And what about their social life? Everywhere they go, they are the local cop and I'd imagine its rare someone wouldn't ask them something Police related. But opposed to that are the many advantages – of being present for all his kids & family celebrations and significant events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Atley is the quintessential country cop. He grew up in Rochester Victoria on a dairy farm, was (and still is) part of a close family, played local footy like a lot of country kids and then his parents sold their farm and purchased a newsagency in Shepparton. John worked in the newsagent & some other short-lived careers, until this green country kid discovered the bright lights of Melbourne. John joined Victoria Police at 24 and he never knew anything else for nearly 32yrs - until just short of his 55th birthday. His first 10-12 yrs were spent Policing in Melbourne but then an opportunity arose for him to return to his roots in Rochester as a local Policeman. By then he'd met the love of his life Fiona and had a family. Their support of him and his career has never wavered and its one of the main reasons he was able to do what he loved for so long. A Police person's family have to endure and absorb much of the daily highs & lows and challenges of incidents they are exposed to, however they feel and see the results. Fiona, Ben and Tara are no different. Being a country cop has many challenges a city cop doesn't face – they often work one-up (alone) and attend incidents which involve people they know, maybe they grew up with, went to school with …..and yes, even family. And what about their social life? Everywhere they go, they are the local cop and I'd imagine its rare someone wouldn't ask them something Police related. But opposed to that are the many advantages – of being present for all his kids & family celebrations and significant events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've been contacted a bit of late by some media organisations for my response to the news Police had arrested and charged a 45yo former childcare worker from the Gold Coast with 1623 child abuse offences — including rape, against 87 children in Australia. He had worked in multiple childcare centres in Brisbane and Sydney and another overseas where he'd collected nearly 4000 images and videos he allegedly shared on the dark web.The investigation was a joint investigation between the AFP, Qld Police & the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation. I thought I might explain a little about the amazing, incredibly difficult but necessary work the ACCCE do, which I'm not sure, but I think they used to be what I knew as JACET – Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1998 Bags (Bagally) woke up and felt like painting – nothing in particular, just buying a brush and painting. And something clicked.Painting became his passion and Policing began to take a back seat. Bags loved being totally absorbed in what he was painting where he thought of nothing else. Knowing very little about art & its history, Bags educated himself through reading books, listening to arty CD's and when he eventually retired from Policing, the transition to Painter was smooth sailing.Bags is now a renowned landscape and seascape painter, is an exhibiting member on the Council of the Victorian Artists Society, the Watercolor Society of Victorian, the Australian Guild of Realist Artists and the Contemporary Art Society & National Vice President and Treasurer of the Australian Society of Marine Artists to name a few. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we are discussing, in detail, the reasonably new offence (In Victoria) of Non fatal strangulation moreso in a DV situation – its pretty confronting, so just consider if today's subject matter is right for you.TODAY I WANTED TO TALK MORE ABOUT STRANGULATION IN A DV SENSE, NOT WHAT SOME MAY DEEM PLEASURABLE. TODAY IS ABOUT THOSE WHO STRANGLE AS A FORM OF CONTROL, AS A FORM OF FEAR, USED AS A THREAT WHICH WE CALL NON FATAL STRANGULATION Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Esther McKay served 17 years with the NSW Police where the majority of her career was spent in Forensic Services, where her expertise in crime scene, vehicle and document examination was often called upon from colleagues and the courts. What Esther was confronted with is often difficult listening, but they are stories which need to be told, to help in understanding the situations Police are so often confronted with in their quest to keep us all safe and assist in convicting those who have no concept or care of that safety we seek. Esther shares an amazing insight into some of the more memorable crime scenes she attended and the toll those crimes scenes eventually took upon her, particularly when a contract was put on her life, such was her level of knowledge and expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parole was a much talked about subject back in 2023 when there was a possibility Paul Charles Denyer could be released from prison after 30yrs behind bars for the brutal, sadistic murders of 3 young innocent women.This was a patreon episode where I explain a little about the parole system, the role of The Parole Board and Community Corrections Victoria in assessing whether someone is suitable for release into the community or too high a risk to community safety.I then share some of my thoughts on Paul Denyer and his obsession with vulnerable women and my hope he is NEVER released. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosemary Harwood, is as genuine, honest and raw as you can get. Rosie doesn't own a computer, so we had to settle for a phone interview. The sound isn't great, but if you can persevere, it's well worth a listen. I'd rather you hear our interview than not. Rosie's trans daughter Marjorie (who has since passed away due to kidney disease) alleged horrific sexual abuse during custodial sentences she served in a Tasmanian prison for shoplifting, bail breaches and other relatively minor offences. Rosie states the prison ignored protocols and procedures regarding transgender, transexual and Intersex prisoners, in placing Marjorie in a male prison. ‘Marjorie's Law' is Rosie's campaign to highlight the inadequacies of prison systems which ignore basic human rights such as dignity and respect and her wish for better recognition and protection of transgender people in Australia's prison services Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Leith Middleton's expertise is primarily in psychology, psychological health and safety safety organizational development where she supports workplaces to build mentally healthy workplaces. Part of this is about identifying safety managing psychological hazards in the workplace. That whole term (psychological hazards in the workplace) brings a smile to my face because it was an unknown term for so many of us who began work in the 70's safety 80's. It's a term which wasn't in our vocabulary back then……We've come a long way. A bit like the term ‘coercive control' or gaslighting – they are terms many of us had never heard. The majority of Leith's work is advising workplaces leaders on psychosocial risk mitigation. This includes industries with workers routinely exposed to potentially traumatic material or events safety finding more rigorous ways to mitigate risks to their workers. There is increasing expectations under elevated WH&S legislation to respond to risks in a more systemic way. In saying that, I feel we may have gone to the other extreme as managers often feel unsure or hesitate in acknowledging someone may not be coping, for fear of being accused of delving into someone's personal life safety overstepping their responsibilities. I'm looking forward to drilling down with Leith in relation to the tendency of many to blame violent or aggressive actions on ‘mental health', helping people to understand the difference between mental illness and mental health safety how the term “mental health issues” is becoming over-used safety often misunderstood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Leith Middleton's expertise is primarily in psychology, psychological health and safety safety organizational development where she supports workplaces to build mentally healthy workplaces. Part of this is about identifying safety managing psychological hazards in the workplace. That whole term (psychological hazards in the workplace) brings a smile to my face because it was an unknown term for so many of us who began work in the 70's safety 80's. It's a term which wasn't in our vocabulary back then……We've come a long way. A bit like the term ‘coercive control' or gaslighting – they are terms many of us had never heard. The majority of Leith's work is advising workplaces leaders on psychosocial risk mitigation. This includes industries with workers routinely exposed to potentially traumatic material or events safety finding more rigorous ways to mitigate risks to their workers. There is increasing expectations under elevated WH&S legislation to respond to risks in a more systemic way. In saying that, I feel we may have gone to the other extreme as managers often feel unsure or hesitate in acknowledging someone may not be coping, for fear of being accused of delving into someone's personal life safety overstepping their responsibilities. I'm looking forward to drilling down with Leith in relation to the tendency of many to blame violent or aggressive actions on ‘mental health', helping people to understand the difference between mental illness and mental health safety how the term “mental health issues” is becoming over-used safety often misunderstood. Saying someone has “mental health issues” which caused them to perpetrate a violent crime seems to Leith, to be overly simplistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Peck was an amazing Policeman – he had a presence, he was smart and he had that air of confidence & intelligence. He was popular, charismatic and just a great guy to be around. But underneath that façade was a man crumbling big time. He was hiding so many fears, insecurities, anxieties and alcohol dependency and for those like me who knew and worked with him, it came as a huge shock to learn about “the real Tim”. Tim's highly decorated career shattered and came to an abrupt, dramatic end when he crashed his police car whilst drunk, abusing those members who attended the scene, and then caught a train to regional Victoria to end a life he couldn't face anymore. He believed his family, friends & everyone else would be better off without him. Somehow Tim crawled out of this black hole. In his recently released book, ‘The Invisible Obvious', Tim takes us through the mess he made of his life & the challenges he faced in trying to resurrect that mess. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Holly Ann Martin OBE has been travelling Australia, our outback communities and around the world for about 30yrs give or take, teaching how to keep kids safe from abuse. She teaches not only kids but parents, carers, teachers, Police – anyone who has anything to do with children. She discusses for instance, consent, how to recognise sexualised behaviours, talking to kids about behaviours which make them feel uncomfortable, who to tell and how. She teaches how to start a conversation with a child or young person about abuse so that it doesn't frighten them, why using the correct words for our body parts is so important and why it is imperative parents and others learn as much as they can through classes/sessions and forums about what their kids are being exposed to on the net.Holly Ann shares some alarming stats through her teachings, one being 2/3 of 8yo's tell her they go online when their parents go to sleep!! It doesn't pay to sleep does it!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Holly Ann Martin OBE has been travelling Australia, our outback communities and around the world for about 30yrs give or take, teaching how to keep kids safe from abuse. She teaches not only kids but parents, carers, teachers, Police – anyone who has anything to do with children. She discusses for instance, consent, how to recognise sexualised behaviours, talking to kids about behaviours which make them feel uncomfortable, who to tell and how. She teaches how to start a conversation with a child or young person about abuse so that it doesn't frighten them, why using the correct words for our body parts is so important and why it is imperative parents and others learn as much as they can through classes/sessions and forums about what their kids are being exposed to on the net.Holly Ann shares some alarming stats through her teachings, one being 2/3 of 8yo's tell her they go online when their parents go to sleep!! It doesn't pay to sleep does it!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week may be a bit uncomfortable for some as we discuss the difficulties of where to house people who identify as transgender within the prison system, as there's only two types of prison – male prisons and female prisons. Is it acceptable to place a male identifying as female into a female prison? Who's human rights are more important – those of say female prisoners who feel threatened by the trans person or the trans person's wish to be housed with those female prisoners? Is a situation I'd actually never considered but its a real issue within the prison system Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the next two weeks I'm providing some personal comments and thoughts on parts (certainly not all) of The Honourable Justice Michael Lee's judgement where he was the presiding judge in the Lehrman v Network 10 Trial Judgement which he handed down on 15th April 2024. These are MY thoughts and opinions on Justice LEE's judgement and not about what I think about Bruce Lehrman or Brittany Higgins per se – it's about how His Honour saw it and the lengths he went to, to try and help us all understand it a little better. Justice LEE has shown a deep understanding of the ‘humanness' and complexities of human nature emotions, particularly regarding victims to a crime. He has shown fairness and transparency and has gone to great lengths to explain why he made the decisions he has. It showcases the depth of research and reference, particularly to case laws which assisted him in those decisions he made. Bottom line is, alone, I feel he's restored some faith in the community's confidence in the judiciary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the next two weeks I'm providing some personal comments and thoughts on parts (certainly not all) of The Honourable Justice Michael Lee's judgement where he was the presiding judge in the Lehrman v Network 10 Trial Judgement which he handed down on 15th April 2024. These are MY thoughts and opinions on Justice LEE's judgement and not about what I think about Bruce Lehrman or Brittany Higgins per se – it's about how His Honour saw it and the lengths he went to, to try and help us all understand it a little better. Justice LEE has shown a deep understanding of the ‘humanness' and complexities of human nature emotions, particularly regarding victims to a crime. He has shown fairness and transparency and has gone to great lengths to explain why he made the decisions he has. It showcases the depth of research and reference, particularly to case laws which assisted him in those decisions he made. Bottom line is, alone, I feel he's restored some faith in the community's confidence in the judiciary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Storer was a country policeman for the majority of his 45yr career with Victoria Police but it's the last 15 which were his most rewarding at Violet Town Police Station. Pat didn't have the luxury of being able to rely on specialist units/squads or services to help – most times it was up to Pat and Pat alone. Violet Town taught Pat the true meaning of inclusiveness and acceptance.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Storer was a country policeman for the majority of his 45yr career with Victoria Police but it's the last 15 which were his most rewarding at Violet Town Police Station. Pat didn't have the luxury of being able to rely on specialist units/squads or services to help – most times it was up to Pat and Pat alone. Violet Town taught Pat the true meaning of inclusiveness and acceptance.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's podcast is quite different. I talk with many partners of Police and today I have the pleasure of sharing with you 2 separate conversations I had with 2 women who give very different accounts of what it's like being in/having been in, a relationship with a Police Officer. I need to point out as I often do, but I need to reiterate, these 2 women share their personal thoughts, feelings and experiences – it's how they feel and their own personal opinions. Charlotte shares with us the torment she endured not only during their marriage but afterwards, the violence, the threats, and the ways in which she says, her partner used his knowledge of the justice system to intimidate and belittle her and ultimately remove her children from her due to what she describes as lies, untruths and false statements in court documents and to the authorities. She also doesn't hold back with what she thinks of his colleagues who sided with her partner and intimidated and threatened her. Charlotte isn't her real name and we've changed her voice slightly to protect her and their children. Then we have Michelle, who's story is completely different. Michelle's partner and father of their 4 children, joined the job with a belief he could help others not as fortunate as himself. Michelle noticed a change in her partner's behavior from the very day he began at the Academy. His 11yrs with Victoria Police resulted in substantial psychological injuries, to the point he's been a patient in a psychiatric hospital and not just the once. Their relationship has survived, but it hanged the 2 of them and their kids as well – no one has come out unscathed. Victoria Police broke him, and nearly broke his family too, but 12 years on, life has found new meaning for him, his wife & family. You all know how much I love and miss Victoria Police. but by now I think you'll know & appreciate there are parts of Victoria Police I will not gloss over and pretend they don't exist or happen – BECAUSE THEY DO. The only way we can improve anything in our lives is by sharing the good and the bad and not pretending it's a perfect world, when it isn't. My guests today both contacted me separately, but I felt it was a good opportunity to share that good and the bad. I'm hoping today's podcast gives those out there who feel they are alone, some encouragement and realization they are NOT alone. There are so many aspects to the lives my 2 guests with their respective partners which deserve more time than I can give them, but I wanted to give you a taste, an idea of their experiences in an educational, respectful, helpful way, albeit concise. We just address the tip of an iceberg with both my guests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's podcast is dedicated to Di McDonald, who is launching Stalking Awareness Day Australia (SADA) on 24th May 2024. Di has been a guest of NFI a few times, and is a strong advocate for law reform regarding stalking legislation and Police response to reports of stalking. She's lobbied MP's, organisations & the media in her mission to raise awareness of the offence of Stalking. Di's story is very powerful and has been featured on programs including Australian Story and Insight and 7 of her recommendations she submitted to the Victorian Law Reform Commission's Stalking enquiry, were accepted. Di's passion has arisen from somehow surviving a stalker who's offending was relentless and included humiliation, denigration, fear and terror, not only upon her, but her friends & family. What an incredible woman Di McDonald is. Congratulations on your pursuit for a safer community for us all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sel is a trauma informed lawyer and understands the stresses clients experience when navigating the Family Court system as unfortunately, she has experienced this on a personal level, so she really DOES understand the impacts. Sel is committed to trying to resolve family law matters in a timely way without court proceedings where possible. There's so much I'd love to chat to Sel about today, because, in my podcast and policing world, I've heard too many stories of those treated poorly by the court system, particularly in family court matters where the common themes seem to include humiliation, intimidation and feeling demeaned by defence lawyers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sel is a trauma informed lawyer and understands the stresses clients experience when navigating the Family Court system as unfortunately, she has experienced this on a personal level, so she really DOES understand the impacts. Sel is committed to trying to resolve family law matters in a timely way without court proceedings where possible.There's so much I'd love to chat to Sel about today, because, in my podcast and policing world, I've heard too many stories of those treated poorly by the court system, particularly in family court matters where the common themes seem to include humiliation, intimidation and feeling demeaned by defence lawyers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1990 Assistant Commissioner Ray Shuey called Chief Inspector Rob Bailey to his office, as Rob had already managed one force-wide project called TRIM (the tape recording of formal interviews) in the 80”sRob was asked to select a group of selected people to investigate the potential to introduce Computer Aided Dispatch to the Victoria Police.Ultimately in 1996 Rob decommissioned D24 at Russell Street and a combined EMS was implemented at the Police Centre (in what was a car park) and at Tally Ho at Burwood.Rob was initially the Project Manager and at the end the project, after 6 years, was co-ordinator for the estimated cost of around $360m project;Rob talks about the great team & environment which was created & shares some stories about the evolution including the fact;· He was offered a bribe· he WITNESSED CORRUPTION· the difficulties in POLICE COMMAND NOT UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT;· THE EVALUATION PROCESS AND POLITICAL INTERFERENCE;· BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANS AND INTERRUPTIONS· FALSE ACCUSATION OF INTERGRAPH CAUSING DEATHS· FALSE INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE CORONER· DEATH OF A WOMAN AND BABY· PERJURY AT THE CORONERS COURT· CORRUPTION AT TALLY HO CENTRE· The waste of time & resources into a ROYAL COMMISSION· MISINFORMATION BY THE MEDIA, PARTICULARLY 3AW Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You wouldn't believe that we're recording this the day after the Victims of Crime Commissioner here in Victoria released her report titled ‘Silenced and Sidelined” which was a disturbing report/insight into how victims of crime are treated by the justice system – from their initial report to Police through to their experience in the court system and how we can improve that experience. It was disturbing reading. My guest today Tammy Casselson's story just highlights and confirms what the Victim of Crime Commission found in her report. What REALLY frustrates me is the fact that since 2016 there have been 7 reports into how victims are treated in the justice system and what can be done to improve their experience. With all due respect to Fiona McCormack, the Victims of Crime Commissioner, nothing seems to have changed. We just seem to be going round & round in circles. And Tammy's story is proof of that……………Tammy Casseslon had it all – or so it appeared. A carefree, happy childhood, happy upbringing, meets Mr Handsome, Mr Popular, Mr Nice Guy, Mr Life of the Party who also had a carefree happy childhood & happy upbringing. A happy life, right??!! Tammy & her husband had 2 adorable children and everything just seemed perfect. But behind closed doors Tammy didn't “have it all”. She was frightened. Her husband's behaviour was becoming more unpredictable – his bursts of anger, his yelling, his insults & his threats, not only towards her, but their children.Mr Handsome had become Mr Narcissist, Mr Abusive, Mr Vindictive, Mr Controlling, Mr Demeaning. Like so many other survivors of D&FV, Tammy made excuses for his behaviour, not recognising or understanding the seriousness of his increasingly violent behaviour. It wasn't until an ill-fated attempt at taking his own life and ending up in hospital, Tammy found the courage to leave. That's when she realised his abuse had included financial abuse & discovered their finances were in shatters, non-existent. He'd kept it secret from her that they had nothing – and Tammy and her children were homeless. But homelessness was a safer option than staying. How does a successful, educated professional woman with a background in counselling, psychology, & teaching become homeless?Tammy was dragged through the court system where all the games her husband could have played, he did – along with his legal representatives whom she felt belittled and intimidated by.Tammy's husband eventually did end his life but left a lot of heartache & “what ifs”. ‘What if' they could have tried some type of amicable reconciliation, ‘what if' their children & their father could have mended some of the damaged relationship, ‘what if' he'd sought some help – his death became a senseless void unable to be filled. All because he refused to seek help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You wouldn't believe that we're recording this the day after the Victims of Crime Commissioner here in Victoria released her report titled ‘Silenced & Sidelined” which was a disturbing report/insight into how victims of crime are treated by the justice system – from their initial report to Police through to their experience in the court system & how we can improve that experience. It was disturbing reading. My guest today Tammy Casselson's story just highlights & confirms what the Victim of Crime Commission found in her report. What REALLY frustrates me is the fact that since 2016 there have been 7 reports into how victims are treated in the justice system & what can be done to improve their experience. With all due respect to Fiona McCormack, the Victims of Crime Commissioner, nothing seems to have changed. We just seem to be going round & round in circles. And Tammy's story is proof of that……………Tammy Casseslon had it all – or so it appeared. A carefree, happy childhood, happy upbringing, meets Mr Handsome, Mr Popular, Mr Nice Guy, Mr Life of the Party who also had a carefree happy childhood & happy upbringing. A happy life, right??!! Tammy & her husband had 2 adorable children & everything just seemed perfect. But behind closed doors Tammy didn't “have it all”. She was frightened. Her husband's behaviour was becoming more unpredictable – his bursts of anger, his yelling, his insults & his threats, not only towards her, but their children.Mr Handsome had become Mr Narcissist, Mr Abusive, Mr Vindictive, Mr Controlling, Mr Demeaning. Like so many other survivors of D&FV, Tammy made excuses for his behaviour, not recognising or understanding the seriousness of his increasingly violent behaviour. It wasn't until an ill-fated attempt at taking his own life & ending up in hospital, Tammy found the courage to leave. That's when she realised his abuse had included financial abuse & discovered their finances were in shatters, non-existent. He'd kept it secret from her that they had nothing – & Tammy & her children were homeless. But homelessness was a safer option than staying. How does a successful, educated professional woman with a background in counselling, psychology, & teaching become homeless?Tammy was dragged through the court system where all the games her husband could have played, he did – along with his legal representatives whom she felt belittled & intimidated by.Tammy's husband eventually did end his life but left a lot of heartache & “what ifs”. ‘What if' they could have tried some type of amicable reconciliation, ‘what if' their children & their father could have mended some of the damaged relationship, ‘what if' he'd sought some help – his death became a senseless void unable to be filled. All because he refused to seek help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year I interviewed Peter ‘Lucky' Lukaitis a Policeman from Castlemaine, who was involved in a siege at Kangaroo Flat, here in Victoria, where 4 Police were shot (thankfully all survived). There were many heroic efforts on this day which have resulted in a number of bravery awards, not only for Police, but also members of the public who put their own lives at risk to assist Police who had been shot and lay injured, unable to move. After a 19hr stand off, the SOG were deployed and located the gunman, John Wason, deceased in his home after turning his gun on himself. One of the Policeman shot (not once but twice) was Senior Constable Peter Eames, my guest today. Peter was one of the first to arrive at the scene & was attempting to converse with the gunman when he was shot, first in the chest & then in his leg. Miraculously Peter survived, as did the other 4 Police who were subsequently shot. This siege remains the single largest number of Police shot in the one incident in Victoria's history. But on talking to Peter, the siege pales into insignificance (would you believe) compared with the trauma and grief he endured in Egypt on 12th January 2006. Peter was part of a 90 strong contingent of Australians, made up of police and emergency workers and their friends and relatives, who were on a professional and cultural exchange with Egyptian police, organised through the Egyptian Federation of Victoria and organised twice a year since 1990. Peter was on a bus which overturned on a desert road around 45k from Cairo where 6 people died, 2 of those being Peter's B-I-L Mark and nephew Drew. Many more were injured. Peter miraculously survived (again!!) and was taken to Cairo hospital for treatment for broken bones/ribs, cuts and bruises.Welcome Peter and thanks so much for your time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year I interviewed Peter ‘Lucky' Lukaitis a Policeman from Castlemaine, who was involved in a siege at Kangaroo Flat, here in Victoria, where 4 Police were shot (thankfully all survived). There were many heroic efforts on this day which have resulted in a number of bravery awards, not only for Police, but also members of the public who put their own lives at risk to assist Police who had been shot and lay injured, unable to move. After a 19hr stand off, the SOG were deployed and located the gunman, John Wason, deceased in his home after turning his gun on himself. One of the Policeman shot (not once but twice) was Senior Constable Peter Eames, my guest today. Peter was one of the first to arrive at the scene & was attempting to converse with the gunman when he was shot, first in the chest & then in his leg. Miraculously Peter survived, as did the other 4 Police who were subsequently shot. This siege remains the single largest number of Police shot in the one incident in Victoria's history. But on talking to Peter, the siege pales into insignificance (would you believe) compared with the trauma and grief he endured in Egypt on 12th January 2006. Peter was part of a 90 strong contingent of Australians, made up of police and emergency workers and their friends and relatives, who were on a professional and cultural exchange with Egyptian police, organised through the Egyptian Federation of Victoria and organised twice a year since 1990. Peter was on a bus which overturned on a desert road around 45k from Cairo where 6 people died, 2 of those being Peter's B-I-L Mark and nephew Drew. Many more were injured. Peter miraculously survived (again!!) and was taken to Cairo hospital for treatment for broken bones/ribs, cuts and bruises.Welcome Peter and thanks so much for your time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathleen Folbigg was convicted for the deaths of her 4 young children (all babies) in NSW over a 10 year period and in 2003 was convicted of the murder of 3 of them and manslaughter of one child. Always maintaining her innocence, she was initially sentenced to 40yrs in prison (reduced to 30yrs on appeal) however after 2 decades in jail, she was pardoned and in Dec 2023 had her convictions quashed following a judicial inquiry that found there was reasonable doubt with regard to her guilt. That finding was informed by new scientific evidence that had been unavailable at the time of her trial and other crucial evidence relating to Folbigg's diaries which were presented by the prosecution as akin to confessions.We'll chat a little about this case but what I'm more interested in is how Dr Williams feels about the way media cover criminal processes such as Kathleen Folbigg's trials, how they portray criminals and the influence (and danger) they can have in swaying public opinion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathleen Folbigg was convicted for the deaths of her 4 young children (all babies) in NSW over a 10 year period and in 2003 was convicted of the murder of 3 of them and manslaughter of one child. Always maintaining her innocence, she was initially sentenced to 40yrs in prison (reduced to 30yrs on appeal) however after 2 decades in jail, she was pardoned and in Dec 2023 had her convictions quashed following a judicial inquiry that found there was reasonable doubt with regard to her guilt. That finding was informed by new scientific evidence that had been unavailable at the time of her trial and other crucial evidence relating to Folbigg's diaries which were presented by the prosecution as akin to confessions.We'll chat a little about this case but what I'm more interested in is how Dr Williams feels about the way media cover criminal processes such as Kathleen Folbigg's trials, how they portray criminals and the influence (and danger) they can have in swaying public opinion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathleen Folbigg was convicted for the deaths of her 4 young children (all babies) in NSW over a 10 year period and in 2003 was convicted of the murder of 3 of them and manslaughter of one child. Always maintaining her innocence, she was initially sentenced to 40yrs in prison (reduced to 30yrs on appeal) however after 2 decades in jail, she was pardoned and in Dec 2023 had her convictions quashed following a judicial inquiry that found there was reasonable doubt with regard to her guilt. That finding was informed by new scientific evidence that had been unavailable at the time of her trial and other crucial evidence relating to Folbigg's diaries which were presented by the prosecution as akin to confessions. We'll chat a little about this case but what I'm more interested in is how Dr Williams feels about the way media cover criminal processes such as Kathleen Folbigg's trials, how they portray criminals and the influence (and danger) they can have in swaying public opinion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kane Nuttall's story isn't, unfortunately, all that unusual. As a teenager he struggled to fit in on many levels. He was overweight and hence got bullied. He suffered severe acne which resulted in embarrassment and humiliation. Being a teenager is difficult enough, but with these added pressures, he couldn't escape his feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. With his self confidence and self worth shattered, he began to slide into a deep depression and as his stress and anxiety increased, so did his depression. With everything falling down around him, he fell in with the wrong crowd, trying to fit in anywhere he could and was introduced to drugs. Soon he started to rely on those drugs to feel better & before he knew it, he was dependent on them, being unable to function without them. He lost his will to be anything but a drug addict. And for 12 years he abused his body & his mind, in an almost full-time haze, not caring about anyone or anything, other than where his next hit was coming from. He also tried to end his life, such was that hopelessless and helplessness. The only reason he didn't end up in jail was but for a stroke of luck – and he's never forgotten how ‘lucky' he was the day the house he was living in (which he describes as ‘the drug house') was raided by Police. Had he been home, he probably would have ended up like the others – being charged and facing court and jail time. But what IS unusual about Kane is that he beat his addiction to meth, ice and any other drug he could get his hands on, but it wasn't easy. With his family's support he somehow found a reason to live and he realised he'd been given a second chance and decided to help and support others who'd been in his position and founded an amazing organization – The Power in You. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the best things about doing my podcast is discovering people who've never thought of sharing their story because 1) they didn't think anyone would be interested 2) they thought there were others who were doing it tougher than them 3) they had never had the opportunity to tell their story or didn't think they had the courage. Today's guest Michael (not his real name) is that person. Michael sent me a brief message after having read an article about me somewhere. Part of his message read “I want to express my thanks for your work. I can only guess about how hard it was. I write this as an older survivor of childhood abuse confidentially”. Funny how that last word has just been thrown out the window and cast aside by me!! Confidential!!!!– trust me Michael!!! Your secret is safe with me!! I responded and said if he ever felt like talking about it, I've found many of my guests who've never told their story before, find it cathartic and their stories often helps others in the comfort of knowing they are not alone. I can be pretty persuasive and he finally relented!!! Michael has such a great attitude considering his father was jailed for offences committed upon him and his siblings, one of which ended their life as a teenager with Michael never knowing (and never wanting to know) if they too had been abused by their father. It is no surprise that this abuse had a devastating effect on Michael and his family, with relationships fractured and ruined forever. Michael said to me in one phone conversation he was thankful he put his father in jail because “it gave him another 10 yrs of life” which he wouldn't have had, had he not been incarcerated. If you don't mind me saying, that's very forgiving and I don't think there'd be too many others out there as forgiving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles was Prison Officer with Corrections Victoria for 12 years.for 6 of these years he worked in the Operations Team for Corrections Victoria Intelligence Unit. His role was to investigate prison offences, drug trafficking into prisons, disrupt prison gang activity, investigate staff misconduct and to provide intelligence information to law enforcement agencies. Giles discovered a love of investigating and has recently landed a great role as an investigator for another government organisation.But it is his role within Corrections Victoria we are going to talk about today. His inside knowledge of many prisoners we have all heard about through the media is fascinating, with his role as case manager requiring him to talk and interact with them and support them in a way. He gives us an insight into their personalities and what it was like dealing with some of Australia's most dangerous criminals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles was Prison Officer with Corrections Victoria for 12 years.for 6 of these years he worked in the Operations Team for Corrections Victoria Intelligence Unit. His role was to investigate prison offences, drug trafficking into prisons, disrupt prison gang activity, investigate staff misconduct and to provide intelligence information to law enforcement agencies. Giles discovered a love of investigating and has recently landed a great role as an investigator for another government organisation.But it is his role within Corrections Victoria we are going to talk about today. His inside knowledge of many prisoners we have all heard about through the media is fascinating, with his role as case manager requiring him to talk and interact with them and support them in a way. He gives us an insight into their personalities and what it was like dealing with some of Australia's most dangerous criminals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cameron Duncan was part of a hand-picked team of Victorian Detectives assigned to assist the Special Operations Group in arresting criminals, Archie Butterly & Peter Gibb, who, with the aid of Gibb's secret lover, prison guard Heather Parker, escaped from the Melbourne Remand Centre in March 1993. Butterly despised Cameron & only days before their escape, had made a credible death threat to Cameron & his family, so upon his escape Cameron's family were immediately evacuated to a safe house. Cameron's decorated career came at a cost in many respects. Cameron's story is compelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tania Maxwell was sexually abused as a child, which led to difficulties as a teenager, battling a gamut of emotions including depression, suicidal ideations and anxiety. But as you'll hear today, her philosophy has been since then, to learn something from every experience, both the good and bad. Tania found a purpose in her life – to become a victim advocate, but to also understand offending more, with a view to reducing it or even better, to ultimately prevent it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tania Maxwell was sexually abused as a child, which led to difficulties as a teenager, battling a gamut of emotions including depression, suicidal ideations and anxiety. But as you'll hear today, her philosophy has been since then, to learn something from every experience, both the good and bad. Tania found a purpose in her life – to become a victim advocate, but to also understand offending more, with a view to reducing it or even better, to ultimately prevent it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anastasia – endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband. A mother of two children, both of whom have learning difficulties. Anastasia herself had learning difficulties. She managed a highly successful business. A trailblazer! Helping young and vulnerable children. Throughout this she held a secret, she endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband, of which her children and some of her friends are witness to at times. After enduring years of lockdowns and having to temporarily close her business, her husband suddenly leaves and on the very day he chooses to leave is the day she chose re-open her business. And further, on that day she is served with an intervention order, citing extraordinary instances which she categorically denied and stated are untrue. But due to the protracted court appearances, stress on Anastasia and her children, anxiety and legal meetings/conferences and fees, she decided it is easier to agree to the Order without agreeing to the allegations, andso the order is granted for 3 yrs. This is Anastasia's extraordinary story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anastasia – endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband. A mother of two children, both of whom have learning difficulties. Anastasia herself had learning difficulties. She managed a highly successful business. A trailblazer! Helping young and vulnerable children. Throughout this she held a secret, she endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband, of which her children and some of her friends are witness to at times. After enduring years of lockdowns and having to temporarily close her business, her husband suddenly leaves and on the very day he chooses to leave is the day she chose re-open her business. And further, on that day she is served with an intervention order, citing extraordinary instances which she categorically denied and stated are untrue. But due to the protracted court appearances, stress on Anastasia and her children, anxiety and legal meetings/conferences and fees, she decided it is easier to agree to the Order without agreeing to the allegations, andso the order is granted for 3 yrs. This is Anastasia's extraordinary story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anastasia – endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband. A mother of two children, both of whom have learning difficulties. Anastasia herself had learning difficulties. She managed a highly successful business. A trailblazer! Helping young and vulnerable children. Throughout this she held a secret, she endured physical, psychological and verbal abuse from her husband, of which her children and some of her friends are witness to at times. After enduring years of lockdowns and having to temporarily close her business, her husband suddenly leaves and on the very day he chooses to leave is the day she chose re-open her business. And further, on that day she is served with an intervention order, citing extraordinary instances which she categorically denied and stated are untrue. But due to the protracted court appearances, stress on Anastasia and her children, anxiety and legal meetings/conferences and fees, she decided it is easier to agree to the Order without agreeing to the allegations, andso the order is granted for 3 yrs. This is Anastasia's extraordinary story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To recap, on October 14th 2022, my husband Lloyd and I experienced surviving a flood of mammoth, unheard of levels and the impact it had not only our life but so many others was huge. It's like anything – unless you've experienced a similar situation to what others are going through you just can't truly understand the impact something so major has on your life. Last year I told you how lost I felt, feeling like we'd lost everything when in fact we'd lost a lot but certainly not EVERYTHING. As at today's date, 23rd November 2023 we are still not back in our house. There's been progress, but its been painstakingly slow however I know there are people in Rochester where work hasn't EVEN STARTED. How can that be possible? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob was a specialist Forensic Fraud Investigator and did an aggregate of 11 years with the VicPol Fraud Squad at 3 ranks. Today he takes us into a complicated, what he describes as a “basically uninvestigable” messy file he was handed and asked to have a look at, which contained a plethora of fraudulent insurance claims, false personal injury claims, kickbacks and many more twists and turns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob was a specialist Forensic Fraud Investigator and did an aggregate of 11 years with the VicPol Fraud Squad at 3 ranks. Today he takes us into a complicated, what he describes as a “basically uninvestigable” messy file he was handed and asked to have a look at, which contained a plethora of fraudulent insurance claims, false personal injury claims, kickbacks and many more twists and turns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah was a single mum doing everything to make ends meet when she re-connected with a childhood friend who she'd never really liked, but years later, as an adult, sparks flew. But it wasn't long before she realised those traits she hadn't liked in their childhood hadn't disappeared She couldn't escape his psychological, physical and sexual abuse of her. She lived in fear every single day. This is Sarah's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah was a single mum doing everything to make ends meet when she re-connected with a childhood friend who she'd never really liked, but years later, as an adult, sparks flew. But it wasn't long before she realised those traits she hadn't liked in their childhood hadn't disappeared She couldn't escape his psychological, physical and sexual abuse of her. She lived in fear every single day. This is Sarah's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.