Former student reveals decades of abuse by high school teacher
A woman, scarred by a horrific ordeal spanning the 1980s, has publicly recounted how a former high school physical education teacher systematically assaulted her, leaving an enduring legacy of trauma.
A legacy of shame and silence
William ‘Rob’ Gilfillan, 69, was found guilty in December of indecent assault and sexual penetration of a minor, crimes committed at Traralgon High School in Gippsland, Victoria. The convictions stem from two separate incidents involving students under the age of 16.
Addressing the court via video link from Barwon prison – where he currently serves Australia’s longest sentence for child sex abuse – Gilfillan’s defense argued for a concurrent sentence, citing his advanced age. However, the victim’s devastating victim impact statement painted a chilling picture of a life irrevocably damaged.
“I lost my teenage self”
“I lost my teenage self,” she stated, her voice trembling. “I lost those crucial years of emotional and sexual development. This fundamentally altered my life, decades of self-hatred, crippling shame, sexual numbness, body dysmorphia, and a descent into alcohol misuse and the desperate concealment of bulimia followed.”
The court heard Gilfillan used callipers to inflict intimate harm under the guise of preparing students for a ‘slimmers weekend’ camp – a blatant manipulation of his position of trust. She described feeling utterly isolated, abandoned by those who should have offered support, saying, “I was ashamed for so many years and felt such immense guilt at reporting him, fearing no one would believe me.”
A pattern of abuse and disregard
A second victim, understandably unwilling to participate in the court proceedings, did not request her statement be read. Prosecutors highlighted Gilfillan’s role as a teacher as a key element exacerbating the offenses. Since 2016, he’s served a sentence imposed in a separate case involving abuse of his daughter in New South Wales – a sentence that, according to the judge, offered little evidence of remorse or insight. Justice Amanda Chambers, in 2016, condemned Gilfillan as a “sadistic” man, sentencing him to 48 years with a minimum non-parole period of 36 – a term she acknowledged could exceed his remaining lifespan, citing his complete lack of empathy.
The long road to justice
The case will proceed on June 16th, marking the culmination of decades of silence and suffering. The sentencing will undoubtedly serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of abusing power and the enduring need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable young people. This isn’t just a legal victory; it’s a belated acknowledgement of a life stolen – a life forever shadowed by the actions of a man who betrayed the trust placed in him.