‘The hardest investigation was the one where I was the victim’: Graeme Simpfendorfer Pt.1

Graeme Simpfendorfer spent 27 years in the Victoria Police, leading elite squads in Homicide and Sexual Offences. He was a veteran detective catching predators until a training lecture on grooming behaviours unlocked a trauma he had suppressed for decades. Graeme realised that as a teenager, he had been the victim of the very crimes he spent his professional life investigating.

In this episode, Gary and Graeme discuss the "war of attrition" that followed when a top detective had to report his own abuser. Graeme reveals the clinical reality of recording a sting call and the struggle of wearing a "Batman mask" to survive his trauma.

If you or someone you know needs help, there is support available. You don’t have to go through it alone. Please reach out to support services like 1800RESPECT.

This interview was recorded before Graeme's case went to trial. In the time since this recording, Graeme's specific case went to court and resulted in an acquittal. However, the same individual also faced trials over a number of other historical sexual offences against children. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges and has maintained his innocence throughout. While he was found guilty of sexual offences relating to four victims, the defendant continues to maintain his innocence and has filed a motion to appeal those convictions.

Listen to Graeme's previous interview on I Catch Killers here: Part 1 & Part 2

Questions for Gary: icatchkillers@news.com.au

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