Russell's Story 

A 17-year-old boy in an adult prison

Growing up in western Sydney, Russell was committed by a Children’s Court Magistrate to the adult Long Bay Jail, despite having just turned 17 years old.

Russell was housed with some of the state’s worst sex offenders, resulting in him being sexually abused repeatedly. His eventual heroin dependence also started there, after his abusers injected him several times with the drug.

Prior to this, Russell had already been struggling to cope with the trauma and anger of having been sexually abused in Daruk, the notorious juvenile detention centre.

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23 years of life spent in jails

The extensive abuse Russell suffered put him on the trajectory of struggling with addiction, to becoming a “Bank Robber”, and as a result, he spent a total of 23 years in jails in NSW, NT and QLD.

For 30 years, including through most of his time incarcerated, Russell kept the secret of what had happened to him.

Despite his best attempts to rehabilitate and live a clean, pro-social life, he was haunted by the abuse that inevitably led back to drugs and more jail.

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Russell speaks out after 30 years

During the Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Russell finally spoke out.

In jail at that time, he also contacted lawyers about the abuse he had suffered, and the consequences that it had on his life.

In doing so, he “handed the backpack of shame and guilt”, that he had carried for 30 years, back to its rightful owners – the perpetrators, and those who were responsible for ensuring his care and safety.

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Giving support to other victims

Realising the healing impact of speaking up about the abuse, Russell found the courage to talk about his experiences with other prisoners, many of whom had experienced similar abuse.

Russell encouraged and supported others to tell their stories, and to seek justice; and after being released from jail, he continued this work, which was the beginning of The Voice Of A Survivor.

‘The Voice’ has now helped over 6,500 people tell their stories and begin the process for justice and healing.

Russell is now a personal advocate for Warrior's Advocacy. 

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A brighter future begins with confronting the past

In speaking up about his own abuse, Russell confronted his haunting past, and since then he has done the hard work required to dramatically change his life and shift his focus to wellness.

Russell completed rehabilitation, gained admission to university, and now shares his experiences on podcasts, radio, and in other media interviews.

Russell is also involved in the Australian boxing community at a local and national level, through coaching and sponsorship.

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Russell is committed to his mission for change and empowerment through:

• Supporting others to articulate underlying issues, including child sexual abuse;

• Providing connections to appropriate rehabilitation placements;

• Mentoring others struggling with addiction issues;

• Supporting prisoners to speak up without fearing the stigma of sexual abuse;

• Networking with other professionals in the abuse support field to find the best, and most committed, service providers for his clients; and

• Helping other survivors to find their voice.

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The Stick Up Podcast

Russell has gone onto producing his own podcast, he talks openly to interesting people about trauma, survival, transformation, and hope. Interviewing hi-profile ex-criminals, abuse survivors, rappers, detectives, and even prison officers. A highlight was Mark Bouris. Russell's podcast was trending on Spotify and caught the interest of many. 

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Interviews 

Russell has been interviewed by many, news channels, 7NEWS, featured on 9NOW, he has had countless articles written about his success, and his great achievement would be his Australian Story, Breaking Free on his life story, this truely shed alot of light to community. He was interviewed by Gary Jubelin, for the True Crime podcast and Mark Bouris for the Straight Talk podcast, they both were captured by Russ's kind heart and loving personality. Since his passing Russell even made it to the New York times who wrote about his passing. Julia Gillard, who Russell idolised for bringing the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sex Abuse, reached out and offered her condolences, she wrote that Russell's contribution to the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sex Abuse was invaluable and incredibly brave and hoped he had healed. 

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Social Media 

Russell has been interviewed by many, news channels, 7NEWS, featured on 9NOW, he has had countless articles written about his success, and his great achievement would be his Australian Story, Breaking Free on his life story, this truly shed a lot of light to community. Russell was interviewed by Gary Jubelin, for the True Crime podcast and Mark Bouris for the Straight Talk podcast, they both were captured by Russ's kind heart and loving personality. Since his passing Russell even made it to the New York times who wrote about his passing. Julia Gillard, who Russell idolised for bringing the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sex Abuse, reached out and offered her condolences, Julia said, “Russell's contribution to the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sex Abuse was invaluable and incredibly brave” and hoped he healed from this.

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Russell's Passing 

Since the passing of Russell in late March 2024 the outpour of love and grief has been overwhelming. There has been a hole left in everyone's heart and a presence that will never truly be filled. Leaving behind two beautiful sons, Ky, and Bailey, who miss him dearly. Russell is someone who dedicated his life to fighting for justice and healing for those who have suffered from abuse in institutional settings. His passion and commitment to this cause has had a profound impact on countless individuals, and his work will continue to inspire and empower survivors for years to come.

Russell Manser was a true warrior for justice, and his dedication to helping survivors find their voices and seek accountability for the abuse they endured is a testament to his strength and compassion. Through his organisation, Warriors Advocacy, he provided support, resources, and advocacy for survivors of institutional abuse, giving them a platform to share their stories and seek justice.

His passion for this work was evident in everything he did, and his impact on the lives of survivors cannot be overstated. Russell Manser was a true hero in the fight against abuse and injustice, and his legacy will live on through the continued work of Warriors Advocacy and the countless lives he touched.

We are grateful for the work that Russell did, and we will continue to honour his memory by standing with survivors, fighting for justice, and working to create a world where abuse and exploitation have no place. Rest in peace, Russell, and thank you for all that you have done. Your legacy will never be forgotten.

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Manser's Law 

Andrew Carpenter, solicitor and good friend of Russell announced at Russell's funeral, as a recognition for all the amazing work Russell has done in the survivor realm, the thousands of people he has assisted with disclosing their abuse and for giving hope for those who do not feel that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, when the Federal Government passes the Super for Survivors legislation, it will be called "Manser's Law". This legislation will allow victims of sexual abuse to strip their abusers of anything they have, including superannuation, which could not previously be taken.

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Legacy 

In honour of Russell Manser's legacy and the important work he did with Warriors Advocacy, it is crucial to continue his mission and keep his story alive. One way to do this is by carrying on the work of Warriors Advocacy and ensuring that the support, resources, and advocacy for survivors of institutional abuse continue to be provided.

By maintaining and further developing the business that Russell founded, we can ensure that his vision and passion are honoured and that his legacy lives on. We will continue expanding the reach of the organisation, increasing awareness about the issue of institutional abuse, and continuing to provide a platform for survivors to share their stories and seek justice.

It is important to remember that the fight against abuse and injustice is ongoing, and by continuing Russell's work, we can ensure that his impact is felt for years to come. By staying true to his values and principles, we can honour his memory and keep his voice alive in the important work of advocating for survivors and seeking justice for those who have been harmed.

Let us pledge to carry on Russell Manser's legacy, to fight for justice and healing for survivors, and to ensure that his voice is never silenced. Together, we can continue the important work that he started and make a lasting impact in the lives of those who have suffered from abuse in institutional settings.

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