I was abused by a monster as a child – now I'm seeking justice for all survivors, says ex-Neighbours star Madeleine West | The Sun
NEIGHBOURS star Madeleine West has bravely revealed how she was sexually abused as a child by a "monster".
The 42-year-old is speaking out as she now wants to make sure no one else has to endure the suffering she did.
Madeline played Dione 'Dee' Bliss and Andrea Somers on the hit Aussie soap on and off from 2000 to 2020.
She has harboured her painful secret for decades – but has now revealed she was abused as a small child.
The actress called her abuser a "monster" as she revealed they lived in the same town.
The abuse happened “many many times” — sometimes daily, she told News Corp.
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She cannot reveal more detail about the attacks, but now she is speaking up as she seeks to help other survivors.
“I’m now seeking justice,” she said.
“Anyone out there who is posting, watching or hurting a child, your time is up.
“The wheel is turning.”
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Madeleine – who has also starred in movie The Condemned – has now joined forced with ex-detective Gary Jubelin.
And they have launched a new podcast called Predatory to shine the light on the issue of paedophilia.
In the eight-part series, which launches today, they call for a national public child sex register in Australia.
And they will campaign for changes to laws to fairly compensate victims.
They also speak with child sex crime detectives and explore how the face of predators and paedophiles has changed, especially with new challenges online.
“Paedophiles are exceptionally calculating and they will get what they want," said Madeleine.
“People consistently turn the other way. It’s very difficult to believe when the perpetrators are close to their inner circle."
She said offenders usually convince their victims that they are the ones to blame.
It is all part of their controlling nature to get what they want and avoid detection.
“We believe what they say is true even when our instincts are screaming the opposite,” she said.
To combat this, she is determined not to take any risks with her own six children, which has meant being present at playground trips and birthday parties.
“This monster ruined my life,” Ms West said.
“I’ve come out the other side, yes a survivor but happy to own the title of victim.”
“Justice can be achieved. It was never, and never will be, your fault, you are not to blame.”
Ms West said the subject of child sex abuse and paedophiles was tough and uncomfortable.
She added that for many people it is easier to look the other way and pretend it doesn’t happen.
Mr Jubelin said there were steps everyone could take to help prevent child sex abuse and keep children safe.
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“To fight any type of crime you have got to create a safe environment where crime can’t flourish,” Mr Jubelin said.
Listen to the Predatory podcast at www.predatory.com.au
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