AUSTRALIA
ABC News
By Emilie Gramenz
A Tasmanian sexual abuse survivor who started a victims advocacy group said a member of the clergy took a special interest in him and cultivated a father-figure relationship before beginning to abuse him.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is examining responses to sexual abuse allegations in the Church of England Boys Society, or CEBS, run through the Anglican Church.
Stephen Fisher told the hearing Garth Hawkins, a rector from Devonport, associated with leaders of CEBS despite not being officially involved.
“Sometimes Hawkins treated me with respect and provided me with respect and encouragement, but as soon as I relaxed he would try to take advantage of me,” he said.
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