College settles sex abuse claim

GEELONG College has stumped up almost $1 million to settle a case with a former student who was sexually abused by a teacher in 1969.

The civil case was due to go to trial at the Supreme Court this week. Mediation started on Monday and the trial was adjourned.

Yesterday morning it was confirmed a confidential settlement — understood to be about $1 million — had been reached.

The unnamed plaintiff said they were pleased to settle the case.

“It feels fantastic to have stood up for myself after being pushed around and silenced for so many years,” they said in a statement.

“To other survivors, remember: you’ve got legal rights and you’re not alone.

“Push hard, fight them, don’t let Geelong College rip you off.”

Grace Wilson, a partner at Rightside Legal, also had a message to other survivors.

“Do not let anyone push you into a compensation scheme where you’ll get a fraction of what you are entitled to,” she said.

“Get an experienced lawyer and demand real compensation.”

In a statement Geelong College principal Dr Peter Miller confirmed the school settled the claim with a student who had been abused in 1969.

“We have acknowledged and continue to acknowledge the effects of this harm on our former students. The College is truly sorry for any harm to former students,” Dr Miller said.

“Today, we are committed to doing what we can to support survivors and to ensure such incidents do not happen again.”

In a letter to the school community last week Dr Miller said the school was expecting to see “a small number of cases” of historical abuse escalate to the court system in the coming weeks and months.