These words are repeatedly sounded over the speaker system of our trains, followed by naming the next station that we are heading towards. As train passengers, we enter and leave depending on where we are heading, or if we decide that another stop suits us better.

Trains are one of those spaces that ask nothing of us and let us be who we need to be as they take us on our journeys. Unless we are with family, friends, peers, or work colleagues, we can also allow ourselves to stay disinterested and disconnected from other people around us.

We can immerse ourselves in reading a book, being on our laptops or using our phones. Sometimes we will look at the views outside as we pass different towns, or quickly glance at fellow passengers. For the most part, we usually stay immersed in our own company.

Sometimes babies and children will break our rules of disinterest and disconnection as they make sounds, ask never ending questions or display emotions of being excited, irritable or tired. But soon enough we may then look at the adults with them as if asking that they “keep them quiet”.

Young people seem to have a different use of this space. They are rarely alone, rarely silent, and rarely aware that other passengers can hear and see everything they say and do. Adult passengers often try to ignore them and pretend they are not there, or if really unsettled by their presence, move to another carriage. In making young people invisible then what do adults miss about them and what do they miss about adults?

The stories in this project are stories that we at Rosie’s Place have heard time and time again from young people who have been subjected to sexual harm by other young people. They can be someone who they have just met face-to-face or online, or they can be young people who they thought they knew very well. They speak of the tactics of trickery and lies used against them, the betrayal of their trust, the violation of their safety, and the enforcement of secrecy that often prevents them speaking to others about their experiences. Their stories of such harm are also accompanied by stories of isolation, lack of support, and abandonment.

What they deserve to expect is for others to See them, Know them, Stay with them and Accept them. ©Rosie’s Place Inc (2023)

This is not only regarding what they have experienced, but also more importantly, for who they are and the significance of their worth.

Through Sliding Doors ©Rosie’s Place 2025 and ©Distil Immersive 2025

This project was made possible by the NSW Government under the Sexual Violence Grants Fund.

Rosie’s Place wishes especially to acknowledge the following people for their invaluable contribution to this project:

Rosie’s Place Project Team: Catherine Want, Josene Perri and Nicole Miller.

Also thank you to the rest of the Rosie’s Place team: Maggie Escartin, My Gago, Megan McGregor, Matilda Mantel, Linda Marsonet, Aidan Palacios and Ben Thompson for their neverending support and contributions to the project.

Consultants to the project: Elizabeth Botté, Melissa Brown, Krystal Evans, Keely O’Sullivan, Nathan Perri and Mary Robyn. We thank you for your invaluable insight, attention to detail, guidance and support. We are truly grateful for your time, ideas, and commitment. Your skill and precision helped turn our vision into a polished, finished piece.

Our Advisory Group members: Amanda Damian, Vanessa Harnischmacher, Jess Hulme, Kellie Lucas, Joesph Macleod, Deb Spence and Collective members: Krystal Evans, Mohra Fazel, Stephen Hare, Marnel Lagarde, Pauline McRae, Aneeta Menon, Robyn Pearson and Deb Spence. We thank you for the generosity of the time you give, your unwavering support, thoughtful guidance and honest reflections.

Elizabeth Botté — botte.com.au: Our incredible illustrator, whose sensitivity and creativity brought the young people’s stories to life. Your work captured their experiences and honoured their voices, adding emotion and truth to each story. We are forever grateful for your passion and creativity.

Distil Immersive — www.distil.im: A huge thank you to this incredible team led by John-Paul Marin and Matt Smith for transforming these stories into powerful, immersive experiences. Your creativity, attention to detail and respect for the voices behind the stories brought them to life in an impactful and unforgettable way. We are so honoured to have this partnership with you.

Output Media: Sound design by Martin Peralta, whose thoughtful approach to how young people experience media — through their devices, in their worlds — added depth and authenticity to each moment in our stories.

Young people as co-designers: A critical component in developing this resource was the co-design approach undertaken with young people whose voices and experiences are scattered throughout the stories.

Rosie’s Place wishes to acknowledge all participants for your invaluable contribution to the project, including your generosity of time, insight and knowledge. Your experiences of both struggle and strength resonate throughout this resource, and we wish to thank you for entrusting us with your stories.

Finally, we wish to thank Luca Perri, who initially found the SBS resource The Boat (2015), which is the basis for creating these stories. Thank you for sharing your idea with us and reminding us of the importance of listening to and learning from young people.