From Abc · · 1m 40s
Silvey's ex-partner speaks of betrayal and broken trust
Clare Testoni, former partner of jailed author Craig Silvey, describes herself and their three children as secondary victims of his child exploitation crimes.
In brief
Clare Testoni, former partner of jailed author Craig Silvey, describes herself and their three children as secondary victims of his child exploitation crimes. Clare Testoni, ex-partner of novelist Craig Silvey, has spoken publicly of betrayal after separating from him following his arrest and jailing for child…
Author jailed for child exploitation
Novelist Craig Silvey was jailed this week for seven months for possessing and distributing graphic images and videos of child exploitation. Judge Hayley Cormann called the material repulsive and degrading.
Ex-partner describes great betrayal
Clare Testoni, who separated from Silvey after thirteen years together following his arrest in January, posted a statement online describing what he did as a great betrayal.
“The father of my children and my partner of 13 years revealed himself not to be the man I thought he was.”
Testoni describes hardest year of life
Testoni said this year had been the hardest of her life.She had seven month old twins and a three year old when she learned of Silvey's crimes.
“I had been drowning in motherhood and in his growing absence.”
Three children are secondary victims
Testoni and her three children are secondary victims of Silvey's crimes, she wrote.She expressed sorrow for those depicted in the material Silvey shared, writing: all children deserve to be safe and loved.
“All children deserve to be safe and loved. That is what I hope to provide for my girls.”
Testoni rebuilding alone in vulnerability
Testoni moved from Fremantle to New South Wales after separating from Silvey.With little children and no employment, the betrayal came when she was most financially and socially vulnerable.
Testoni looks to tell new story forward
Testoni said Silvey had become a shadow in her career, discouraging her PhD and prioritising his own lucrative work.She wrote: I hope to tell a new story going forward.
“I hope to tell a new story going forward.”
What it means
Clare Testoni, ex-partner of novelist Craig Silvey, has spoken publicly of betrayal after separating from him following his arrest and jailing for child exploitation offences.
