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	Abuse Victims Seek Solidarity By Emma Swain The Maitland Mercury August 5, 2008 http://maitland.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/abuse-victims-seek-solidarity/1236183.aspx Anne was just a little girl when her family’s life was turned upside down by sexual abuse. Abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest. But now, almost 20 years later, Anne is prepared to move on – with the help of the Catholic church. Following Pope Benedict’s recent apology to those affected by abuse and Bishop Michael Malone’s public stance on sexual abuse in the Catholic church, the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is gathering for a Service of Solidarity tomorrow night. It is an event Anne, of Maitland, believes will pave the way forward for survivors of sexual abuse and their families. "I’ve decided to show my support and take part in the service because this is a continuation of my family’s journey," Anne said. "And it’s important that, now, we can hold our heads up high." Anne says a family member close to her heart was abused by a member of the Catholic Church during the 1980s. Five years ago her family decided to come forward and fight for justice. "But when we decided to speak out we became isolated . . . really it was the worst time of our lives because nobody wanted to accept what was happening in the church," she said. "But now things are changing and I do believe this service is a positive thing." Bishop Malone said abuse, in all its forms, is repulsive and must not be tolerated. "We must continue to gain a greater understanding of its causes and work to address them," Bishop Malone said. "We need to ensure that we commit significant resources to all aspects of this issue: education and prevention, as well as the provision of psychological, emotional, spiritual and practical support for those affected. As a diocese, we renew our commitment to do all we can to eradicate abuse. "I hope that Thursday evening like the recent Papal apology, will be a small but significant step in helping us to move forward as a church, following Jesus’ example in honouring the sacredness of children and working to ensure their safety." Helen Keevers, manager of Zimmerman House, the Diocesan Child Protection and Professional Conduct Unit, said holding the service now was timely. "We wanted to hold the service now, given the extensive coverage that sexual abuse in the Catholic Church has received in the lead-up to and during last month’s World Youth Day Week," Ms Keevers said. "We recognise that this issue is always painful for many within our community, especially for those most directly affected. This service is an opportunity to acknowledge that pain, to strengthen our commitment to learn from and redress past wrongs, and to continue to work towards a safe community for all." Ms Keevers said that survivors of abuse who are known to the diocese have been personally invited to the service. "Survivors often speak of feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is a chance for us all to participate in a service which we hope will bring some healing to those affected and, at the same time, challenge our community to work for a church and society in which our response to this issue is just, compassionate and caring. "The service includes the opportunity for those gathered to bring forward either a symbol of personal significance to them, or to carry an olive branch representing our need for healing and continued commitment to this issue." Bishop Malone said the service was open to everyone, not just the Catholic community. "Our experience shows that this issue demands that we work collaboratively, beyond divisions of culture or belief. I hope this is an opportunity for the whole community to stand in solidarity with all those who have been affected by abuse," Bishop Malone said. "It’s also an opportunity to express our support and desire for a church and society in which abuse must not be accepted." The Service of Solidarity will be held at Newcastle’s Sacred Heart Cathedral at 7pm tomorrow.
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