Court ruling gives victims courage, advocates say
ADVOCATES for child sex abuse survivors hope the Court of Appeal’s decision to keep George Pell in jail for sex offences will give those suffering in silence courage to seek justice.
Support groups also say the decision to dismiss Pell’s appeal against a conviction for child sex offences is a “tremendous message” that justice will prevail.
Care Leavers Australasia Network founder and advocate Leonie Sheedy was pleased “justice had been served” yesterday.
“Hopefully the decision will encourage people to come forward and report crimes and apply for redress,” Ms Sheedy said.
Ms Sheedy, based in Geelong, urged the Catholic Church to divert money that may be spent on appealing Pell’s case to the High Court to support for victims of sexual abuse.
“If they had any humanity and any feelings for victims they would not proceed with going to the High Court.”
Activist and child sex abuse survivor Michael Advocate said the Pell decision was a sign justice would prevail for every child sex abuse victim across the country. “May Pell rot in his cell, before he burns in hell,” Mr Advocate said.
Mr Advocate’s service Victim Justice recently rolled out a program to support survivors in Geelong.
Dozens of survivors of historic sexual and/or physical abuse have come forward from Geelong Grammar, Geelong College and St Joseph’s College in the weeks since, he said.
Mr Advocate, who uses a pseudonym, said the timing of the Pell decision for Geelong victims seeking justice was perfect. “Fellow victims, you will be believed,” he said.
Newcomb resident Lorraine Pearson — who tied a red scarf to a fence at St Mary of the Angels Basilica in Geelong yesterday to represent “the blood that’s been split” — said she was appalled by the church’s response to child sex abuse.
“It seems the Catholic Church think they are above the law. Hopefully (the Pell decision) will be a repercussion for change.”
Ms Pearson, a long-time Catholic, decided to stop practising her faith earlier this year because of the church’s response to child sex abuse.
St Mary’s parish priest James Clarke was contacted for comment but was unavailable.
Childhood trauma support agency Blue Knot Foundation can be contacted on 1300 657 380. Help can also be accessed via Life Line on 13 11 14.