Call for Fund for Victims of Church Sex Abuse

By Jacqui Peake
ABC News
February 28, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-28/call-for-a-fund-to-support-victims-of-church-sex-abuse/4544304

Victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy are calling for the church to be opened up to compensation claims.

A number of Ballarat victims, from the group known as The Survivors, are making submissions to the hearing of the Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into institutional abuse.

Keith Whelan was abused when he was a schoolboy and has told the hearing the church coerced him into signing a deed which prevents him from seeking compensation.

"The Towards Healing process was more about the church being seen to be doing something than healing for victims," he said.

"I want support and funds to start my own business. We need ongoing medical and counselling support."

He and other victims want those deeds revoked and the establishment of a support fund, paid for by the churches.

Judy Courtin, an advocate for victims of abuse at Ballarat Catholic schools, says the fund should be administered by the Government but paid for by the churches.

"In order for that to be able to happen, the fourth recommendation, is that there be legislative reform of the Catholic Church Property Trust Act to enable survivors to sue the church," she said.

Peter Blenkiron, of Ballarat, is also a member of the The Survivors.

"I'm triggered all the time. The fear of getting something wrong is a trigger. My stomach wants to heave up, my chest tightens and I can't breathe," he told the hearing.

"There are times your sense of hope gets worse. It gets darker and darker."

Ann Murray's brother, Anthony Woods, died from AIDS complications when he was 33-years-old.

"On a school camp to Lightning Ridge he was asked to go into the tent of Father [Gerald] Ridsdale where he was raped all night," she said.

Their brother, Steven Woods, says the church makes it very hard to charge clergy.

"This is what happens when you go against an organisation such as the church - they harass you. You are treated as if you are the perpetrator," he said.

"They'll say they can't afford it [the support fund]. That's just bullshit.

"The church spent $2 million on defence for two of the paedophiles who molested me."