Victim urges others to join group action

A sexual abuse victim is encouraging other victims of abuse within the Catholic Church to join a Warragul based group action seeking compensation.

“Michael,” whose real name has not been released, has been involved in organising and co-ordinating a group action within the Sale Diocese for victims of abuse at Catholic College Sale.

Michael said a group action offered the benefits of a less confronting approach, along with the important support of fellow victims.

He said the complex process of appointing expert legal solicitors and barristers also was taken care of at no cost.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to help my fellow traumatised victims, who’ve experienced a truly degrading ordeal. I know this from my own personal experience,” he said.

Michael said Warragul had a terrible history, with allegations that a Catholic priest and Marist brother (both deceased) sexually abused primary school aged boys and girls.

Through a community awareness campaign, Michael said victims were being informed of the potential appropriate and fair compensation that is available to them.

Melbourne based Rightside Legal joint partners Michael Magazanik and Grace Wilson have been appointed to represent victims in the group action.

Mr Magazanik said “new Victorian laws currently before Parliament will give Warragul survivors a strong legal position”.

“The Warragul survivors can demand full and proper compensation from the church bodies which enabled or failed to stop the abusers”.

“Whether the perpetrator is alive or dead makes no difference, as this is civil litigation, not criminal,” he said.

Michael encouraged victims to contact Rightside Legal on 1300 765702 or email mmagazanik@rightsidelegal.com.au or Grace at gwilson@rightsidelegal.com.au