White Man, White Coat, and Stethoscope

October 7, 2026

Content Warning: The following poem contains descriptions of sexual abuse.

Abuse survivor and advocate Neta Kerepeti shared this poem about her experiences at the 2026 NZNO conference where she was a speaker. She also called on nurses to speak up if they suspected abuse.

White man, white coat, and stethoscope, sitting on a stool.
It’s late in the afternoon, I’ve come straight from Primary School.

There’s an abcess on my right thigh, it’s red, hot, and sore.
He tells my social worker and the nurse to leave, they do, then he closes the exam room door.

White man, white coat, and stethoscope, sitting on a stool.

Everything off from the waist down Neta.
Wait for further instruction.
Turn around, don’t look at me.
Wait for further instruction.

There’s a mirror opposite so I can see, but it’s more for him, it’s not for me.
His zip is down, his penis is free.
I wait for further instruction.

Stand up straight Neta, feet apart.
Are you crying? Don’t you start!
Bend over now, that’s the girl.
Put your nose to your knees.
How does that feel?

White man, white coat, and stethoscope, sitting on a stool.
I’m nine years old.


See also: Overwhelming sense of betrayal

Need help? Sexual harm support services can be found here.