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Shoulder to Shoulder: Veterans

Compensation

Oaktree Senior Contributor

Compensation

So I applied for compensation for an indecent assault that happened to me, by someone in my chain of command, whilst I was in basic training. I should also mention that I was only 17 at the time, so technically a child.

I applied to the Defence Force ombudsman for compensation. It took them 18 months to come to a decision and they said it would take Defence a further 7 months to come to a decision.
I did report the abuse at the time that it happened so this is pretty open and shut. However, I am still waiting to hear something back. Haven’t heard anything since October last year.
I have read about @TAB ’s experience and it sounds like the Army are trying hard not to pay any compensation so I will be surprised if this comes out in my favour.

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In response to: Compensation

RachSANECEO Senior Contributor

Re: Compensation

@Oaktree these discussions are really interesting and valuable I’m so grateful for all of your contributions. I was wondering if you or others have ever tried any other online discussion groups specific to veterans or trauma and what’s worked or not? For example Facebook groups or Reddit groups?

In response to: Re: Compensation

TAB Senior Contributor

Re: Compensation

No, and for same reasons I stated previously @RachSANECEO

In response to: Re: Compensation

Oaktree Senior Contributor

Re: Compensation

No I haven’t @RachSANECEO

I was going to do trauma counseling with my psychologist but she backed out on me. Kept making excuses. Like need to do schema therapy first. Did that with her and then she said I wasn’t well enough.

In response to: Re: Compensation

AllAboutMissy Senior Contributor

Re: Compensation

I have participated in Trauma Exposure Therapy.. It was horrible but it worked. I'm in Veteran groups and they are just sad.

In response to: Compensation

AllAboutMissy Senior Contributor

Re: Compensation

I responded about my compensation in another post, my apologies.

In response to: Compensation

RachSANECEO Senior Contributor

Re: Compensation

I'm so sorry that happened to you. I imagine the delay and uncertainty creates further impacts too. I appreciate you sharing your experience here.

In response to: Re: Compensation

Oaktree Senior Contributor

Re: Compensation

@RachSANECEO @AllAboutMissy @TAB

I got an email from the Defenceforce Ombudsman this afternoon. The Defence has agreed to pay the compensation and also suggested to me to apply to the National Redress Scheme as I was only 17 at the time of the abuse.
I was really surprised as I had convinced myself that Defence probably would try to get out of paying me any compensation. Anyway good result! I went to library to print payment form. Filled it out and scanned it and sent it back. Hopefully it doesn’t take too long to actually get the payment.

In response to: Re: Compensation

TAB Senior Contributor

Re: Compensation

well , congrats @Oaktree I got nothing as said.

In response to: Re: Compensation

TAB Senior Contributor

Re: Compensation

Good thing I told you about it and you got in just before the deadline, hey @Oaktree

..that's okay..

In response to: Re: Compensation

Oaktree Senior Contributor

Re: Compensation

Yes thanks @TAB

I only got my application in on the last day it was open too! You are the MVP

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