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	Apology 'Is Just Words' Says Catholic Clergy Abuse Victims By Marianne Betts Herald Sun July 4, 2010 http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/apology-is-just-words-says-catholic-clergy-abuse-victims/story-e6frf7jo-1225887786371 CATHOLIC Archbishop Denis Hart's apology for sexual abuse by the clergy was "farcical" unless compensation followed, victims say. Archbishop Hart delivered a "sincere and unreserved" apology to victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy yesterday. He read most of a lengthy written apology to his St Patrick's Cathedral congregation. The letter was distributed to them, and to every parish in the archdiocese. But Forgotten Australians Action Group spokesperson Louise Goode said: "It's farcical if it isn't followed by the action of atonement, which needs to be expressed in a financial way. "The apology must come with redress and compensation" - and not just for sexual abuse victims, she said. "They're saying if you were sexually abused, you're more deserving than someone who has had severe psychological abuse or severe emotional neglect," Ms Goode said. "But abuse is abuse." Melbourne Victims Collective spokesperson Helen Last said the apology was just words; a support network was needed. "We see his apology as very frail and lacking substance, and we want to see concrete, practical reforms," she said. Demands included a vicar to guide victims through religious issues, pastoral welfare to cover food, heating and medical needs, and sexual abuse education for both the clergy and parishioners. In his apology, Archbishop Hart said that in the 14 years since the archdiocese began dealing with the "abhorrent" issue, 300 victims had been compensated. But Ms Last said the "compensation" was an ex-gratia monetary gift towards victims' costs. "Compensation takes into account personal damages and injuries, and how it will affect the lifetime of the complainant and their health in terms of their lifetime. And this response goes nowhere near that," she said. "Victims are very, very disillusioned and feel disempowered and paralysed by what they are given. It doesn't help them anywhere near the degree of the help they need." Archbishop Hart's parishioners welcomed his apology and believed it was heartfelt. But Rosa Gonzalez, 57, said it was a "little bit overdue".
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