Salibra (No.4) [2025] NSWSC 659

• Sentence for stabbing of 18 year old cousin after significant escalation of ‘playful fighting’ – instantaneous surge of anger in response to unjustified perception of threat – unlawful and dangerous act
• Accepted evidence that offender sexually assaulted by teacher in Year 9 at school – subsequent PTSD exacerbated by Hodgkins Lymphoma when 19 years old – found dysregulation and impulsivity, partly the result of his PTSD and partly the result of his youth, materially contributed to offending conduct: at [85]-[91]
• Referred to research from Bugmy Bar Book on impact of childhood sexual abuse and PTSD

[90] The Bugmy Bar Book chapter titled “Childhood Sexual Abuse” contains research which demonstrates the link between childhood sexual abuse and adverse mental health, social and behavioural issues. The literature reveals consistent associations between child sexual abuse and significant negative mental health effects such as post-traumatic symptoms, aggressive behaviour, and conduct problems. It also results in an increased prevalence in diagnoses of PTSD and the use of illicit substances to deal with the symptoms flowing from PTSD.