Episode 10
Stat Dec
Raised in Melbourne’s tight-knit Orthodox Jewish community, she endured relentless physical and sexual abuse from her violent stepfather—from beatings with rulers and irons to repeated rape starting at age 10. When she finally reported the assault to her school principal and then the head rabbi, she was handed back to her abuser, who shaved her head as punishment for “lying.” Trapped in a home where even her mother was beaten and silenced, she escaped at 18 by fleeing to a shelter—only to spend decades grappling with trauma, poverty, broken relationships, and profound isolation.
Now estranged from her family and community, she shares her sworn declaration not for pity, but to expose how institutions failed her—and how survivors are often left to carry the shame that belongs to their abusers.
Narrator: Rachel Berger
Rachel Berger - Comedian, Broadcaster, Novelist
Rachel Berger is one of Australia’s favourite stand-up comedians and a woman of remarkably diversified talents. In addition to playing the xylophone and carving avocado pips into small Buddhas she’s recently stopped feeling guilty. There are no cows too sacred for this Berger. Rachel has worked variously as a comedian, broadcaster, novelist, columnist, agitator and television entertainer. She’s taken four solo shows to the Edinburgh Festival and her dynamic presence and engagingly sharp observations have made her an extremely popular performer both live and on television, across Australia and overseas.