Martin Flanagan on exchanging shame for grace

In 1966, Martin was 10 years old when he was sent to a Catholic Boarding school in North-West Tasmania. Decades later, he began his own reckoning with what had happened at the school (CW: discusses sexual abuse)

Martin Flanagan is a much-loved sports writer who wrote about AFL for many years for The Age newspaper.

At the age of 10, Martin was sent away to a Catholic boy's boarding school in North West Tasmania.

Three of the priests on the staff at the time were later sent to prison for sexual crimes they committed against boys in their care, and there have been allegations made against other priests at the school.

Martin wasn't a victim of the abuse, but it was a dark shadow that passed very close by.

For years he didn't want to think about his time at the school, which he considered a wretched period in an otherwise happy life. 

But a few years ago, the time came for him to turn to towards this chapter of his story.

Further information

The Empty Honour Board is published by Penguin

Help is always available: 

• Sexual Assault Support Service (Tasmania): 1800 697 877
• 1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
• Sexual Assault Counselling Australia: 1800 211 028
• Bravehearts (support for child sexual abuse survivors): 1800 272 831
• Laurel House Northern Tasmania: (03) 6334 2740
• Laurel House North West Tasmania: (03) 6431 9711
• Blue Knot Foundation: 1300 657 380

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