Teen Victim of Sexual Abuse Faces Trauma and Drug Addiction

A 16-year-old victim of sexual abuse, plied with drugs by a 38-year-old woman posing as a friend, has detailed the ongoing struggles and trauma she faces. Melissa Slattery, 38, pleaded guilty in the Melbourne County Court to supplying a child with drugs and two counts of sexual assault after two incidents in August 2024. The court heard how Slattery ingratiated herself with the teen, giving her food and providing her with a pipe containing methamphetamine to smoke. The teen reported two incidents of sexual assault to police, detailing how Slattery sexually assaulted her while she was disassociated due to the effects of cannabis.

Key Takeaways:

• Melissa Slattery, 38, pleaded guilty to supplying a child with drugs and two counts of sexual assault after two incidents in August 2024.
• The 16-year-old victim reported two incidents of sexual assault to police, detailing how Slattery sexually assaulted her while she was disassociated due to the effects of cannabis.
• The victim stated in a victim impact statement that Slattery's toxic influence had stopped her from going to school, medical appointments, and seeking help from her support network.
• The victim struggles with drug addiction and finds it hard to trust people following the abuse.
• Slattery's barrister argued that her imprisonment for the sexual assaults had been the "circuit breaker" needed to get sober from drugs and get her life back in order.
• Slattery has a "chequered" criminal history and a longstanding addiction to methamphetamine, stemming from childhood trauma after being abused herself.
• A psychologist's report found Slattery had "minimised" the sexual abuse she inflicted on the teen, and that she is a moderate risk of future sexual reoffending without intervention.

Statistics:

• The teen victim was 16 years old when she was assaulted.

*There were two incidents of sexual assault reported to police by the teen victim, occurring in August 2024.

• The teen reported that Slattery gave her a bong containing cannabis to smoke, and that she disassociated and woke up to find Slattery sexually assaulting her on one occasion.
• Slattery held the teen down and sexually assaulted her on a bed during another incident.

Sources:

• Ballarat CASA - 5320 3933