The guard promised to protect Aaron. Instead, he allegedly raped the frightened 12-year-old

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

A man in his 30s who was detained as a child at the now-closed Rangeview juvenile detention centre in Perth is suing the Western Australian government, alleging he was sexually abused by a guard during his time there in the early 2000s. His case underscores serious concerns about the government’s duty of care and the protection failures within youth detention facilities, prompting scrutiny over institutional oversight and safety for vulnerable children.

A man in his 30s who spent time at a youth detention centre in Perth is preparing to take legal action against the Western Australian government, alleging he was sexually abused by a guard while held there as a child. The former detainee, identified only as Aaron, says he was assaulted on two occasions at the now-defunct Rangeview juvenile detention facility in the early 2000s.

Aaron, who is currently serving a prison sentence in an adult facility, has lodged claims alleging the state breached its duty of care and was negligent in safeguarding his well-being. Through his lawyer, Peter Subramaniam of Chamberlains Law Firm, Aaron describes how a youth justice officer initially promised to protect him from violence within the centre. However, the relationship reportedly devolved into abuse, with Aaron alleging he was first digitally penetrated and later raped by the same guard.

The Rangeview facility, located in suburban Perth, housed children as young as 10 and was known for overcrowding and harsh conditions. Former detainees have alleged that some were subjected to beatings both by staff and older boys in secluded areas behind the buildings. Aaron’s account aligns with these reports, describing a pervasive atmosphere of fear among the children and a specific dread associated with being taken “out back.”

In addition to the allegations at Rangeview, Aaron claims he was sexually assaulted during a later detention at Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre in 2005. Subramaniam said this incident is not part of the current legal claim due to difficulties in accessing verification records. According to the lawyer, one of the assaults at Rangeview occurred during a strip search, an experience the client found deeply distressing. Aaron described the guard as someone he initially viewed as a protective “father figure,” which intensified the sense of betrayal when the abuse occurred.

The allegations come nearly two decades after the incidents, with Aaron sharing his experiences for the first time publicly. The case highlights ongoing concerns about child protection failures within juvenile detention facilities in Western Australia and raises questions about oversight and accountability in institutions meant to safeguard vulnerable youth. The government has not yet commented on the specific allegations.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.