Hope of Full Hearing on Child Abuse in Monash

By Tim Michell
Waverley Leader
March 12, 2012

waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/hope-of-full-hearing-on-child-abuse-in-monash/

AN OAKLEIGH couple devastated by church sexual abuses hope they can finally get closure from a State Government investigation.

Chrissie and Anthony Foster have been fighting for justice for their two daughters after they were abused by a Monash primary school priest.

But they feel as if they're closer than ever to an inquiry into the reporting of sexual abuses after the Cummins' report last week.

The report recommended an investigation into the reporting of sexual abuses in religious organisations, including victims' evidence.

Ms Foster said she was hopeful years of pain were near an end.

"We finally feel like someone is listening," Ms Foster said.

"All these years the victims have really been a lone voice pushing for justice."

She said victims and families had suffered in silence for too long.

"Victims have simply had nowhere to turn," she said.

Mr Foster said the report had been more significant than they had expected.

"Sexual abuse in the Catholic Church wasn't primarily the focus of the report, so we didn't know what to expect," Mr Foster said.

"What this highlights is the urgent need for a Royal Commission."

The State Government is considering the report's recommendation, with a decision expected in the next month on whether to pursue an inquiry.