The woman who was raped by Tom Silvagni confronted her attacker in a Victorian County Court, describing his actions as “evil” and a violation of her trust. Silvagni, the youngest son of AFL legend Stephen Silvagni, appeared via video link from prison, showing little reaction as the victim detailed the profound impact of his crimes.
The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, faced Silvagni on Friday morning, recounting the night of January 14, 2024, when he digitally raped her at his Melbourne home. “You didn’t just violate my body that night, you violated my trust,” she stated, highlighting the betrayal by someone she thought she knew.
The Night of the Crime
According to court proceedings, the woman had been invited to Silvagni’s home by his girlfriend. She was in a brief relationship with Silvagni’s friend and had consensual sex with him before he left the property around 2 a.m. Silvagni then entered her room under false pretenses, claiming her boyfriend’s Uber had been canceled and he would return soon.
Under the guise of her boyfriend, Silvagni digitally raped the woman. Despite her attempts to identify him and ask him to stop, he continued his assault, only fleeing when she realized the truth by touching his hair.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
A jury found Silvagni guilty of two counts of rape on December 5. During the trial, crown prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams criticized Silvagni’s lack of empathy and entitlement, stating, “To deny the reality of her experience, even at that time, in that way, demonstrates … a real lack of empathy.”
Silvagni’s parents, Stephen and Jo, visibly reacted to these statements, shaking their heads in court. Meanwhile, Silvagni’s defense, led by David Hallowes SC, acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but argued for leniency due to Silvagni’s lack of prior convictions and the media scrutiny he faced.
“Our son continues to maintain his innocence and we stand firmly behind him,” Stephen Silvagni said.
Broader Implications and Support
The case has sparked broader discussions about trust and betrayal in relationships, highlighting the vulnerabilities victims face. The court’s decision to lift the suppression order on Silvagni’s identity has also brought attention to the role of media in high-profile cases.
Support services have been emphasized throughout the trial, with organizations such as 1800 RESPECT and Lifeline providing crucial support for those affected by sexual violence.
Looking Ahead
Judge Gregory Lyon has remanded Silvagni in custody, with sentencing scheduled for Wednesday. The case underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing sexual violence and the importance of supporting victims through the legal process.
For those seeking assistance, several support services are available:
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service: 1800 211 028
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- beyondblue: 1300 22 4636
