“Silent Voices: When the System Fails the Most Vulnerable”

In this deeply powerful and distressing episode of the Domestic Abuse Breakthrough Show, Kate is joined by Tamsyn Raven, a mother turned advocate fighting for justice for her seven-year-old daughter, Kaylee.Kaylee is nonverbal, severely autistic, and medically vulnerable — and was assaulted while in the care of someone trusted to protect her. The incident was captured on CCTV.Yet nearly a year later, the courts have still not reviewed the footage.This conversation exposes the devastating reality of what happens when:Evidence is ignoredSafeguarding systems failDisabled children are overlookedAnd risk is minimised in favour of “convictability”Together, Kate and Tamzin unpack:How nonverbal children are left without a voice in the justice systemWhy behavioural changes must be recognised as critical evidenceThe dangers of downgrading charges for vulnerable victimsOngoing stalking, intimidation, and failures in protectionThe impact of trauma on a child who cannot communicate what happenedThe emotional and psychological toll on families forced to fight aloneThis is not just one case.It highlights a much wider systemic issue affecting some of the most vulnerable children in society.Kaylee’s story is also one of resilience. With distance from harm, she is beginning to rediscover her voice, her personality, and her sense of safety — showing just how profound the impact of abuse truly is.Tamzin is now working to create Silent Voices Advocacy Ireland, a project dedicated to ensuring that children who cannot speak are still heard, protected, and properly represented.This episode is essential listening for:Safeguarding professionalsHealthcare and education staffLegal professionalsParents and carersAnyone committed to protecting vulnerable childrenBecause when a child cannot speak…it is the system’s responsibility to listen harder — not look away.If you are navigating abuse or safeguarding concerns, support links are available in the link treeIf you are a professional seeking to deepen your trauma-informed understanding, you can also register your interest in training and resources.https://linktr.ee/breakthecyclemovement