Episode 7 — Charlie2-6 | She Served AU Podcast Significant Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to military sexual trauma, sexual assault, sexual violence, harassment, stalking, abuse of authority, victim-blaming, and institutional failure. The content is confronting and criminal in nature. If you are not in the right space to listen, please step away, take care of yourself, and return later — or not at all. Support services including Open Arms, Lifeline, and The Athena Project are listed in the show notes. This episode is shared with full permission from Charlie26 aka C26 She has authorised Natasha Hilbers of She Served AU to tell her story in the hope that speaking out helps stop the harm. Her experiences reflect not only what can occur in service, but what continues long after discharge — and why silence protects the wrong people. C26 served. What she endured was not misunderstanding or poor leadership. It was military sexual trauma and sexual violence embedded within command failure. She describes being deliberately isolated and subjected to predatory sexual behaviour by a superior. When reported, the conduct was minimized, reduced to administrative embarrassment rather than recognised as sexual misconduct. The behaviour did not meaningfully stop. Authority became the shield. When she sought help, the chain of command declined to investigate. “Your word against his.” The uniform did not protect her. His did. The power imbalance remained intact. She later experienced stalking on base after refusing a soldier’s advances. Civilian police laid charges. Defence response was minimal. Instead of asking why he stalked her, she was asked what she had done to attract the attention. In another incident, she was stripped naked and tied to a roof antenna during a unit initiation. When reported, she was told she was lucky it wasn’t worse. That response captures the culture — comparison to greater harm, rather than protection. The harm did not end when she left service. As a long-standing committee member of over eight years, C26 pursued legitimate funding and endorsement opportunities. Applications stalled. Support failed to materialise. Endorsements were withheld without transparency. The pattern reflected quiet obstruction — a form of post-service retribution that sends a clear message: speaking out has consequences. The harm then entered her personal space. In July 2025, a public comment appeared on her social media: “Why didn’t she wear that on patrol?” The implication — that clothing could have prevented rape — reflects the enduring narrative that shifts responsibility back to the survivor. The uniform may have come off, but the culture followed. C26’s story reflects abuse of rank and authority, sexual coercion and assault, institutional minimisation, victim blaming, stalking, retaliation, reputational obstruction, and failure of duty of care — both in service and out. MST is not only the act. It is the silence. The refusal to investigate. The culture that protects perpetrators, questions survivors, and marginalises those who refuse to stay quiet. C26 served her country. The system did not serve her. This episode calls time on that reality. Enough. Stop the harm — in service and Support the show Listener Care Notice: Trigger Warning This episode discusses military service, trauma, and related experiences that may be confronting for some listeners. Please use personal discretion while listening. If any of the topics raised are triggering or bring up difficult emotions, support is available through Athena Project Australia. Website: https://athenaproject.org.au Phone: 1800 943 539 You are not alone, and reaching out is a sign of strength.
