Hunter Abuse Victims Welcome Royal Commission

ABC News
November 12, 2012

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-13/hunter-abuse-victims-welcome-royal-commission/4368360


Across the Hunter Valley victims of child abuse by clergy and their families are welcoming news that after years of fighting, there will finally be a full national Royal Commission.

The wide ranging inquiry announced yesterday by the Prime Minister will investigate child abuse in institutions, such as schools, churches and foster homes, and look at how authorities responded.

Lake Macquarie woman Tracey Pirona, whose husband John was a victim of a paedophile Catholic priest and took his own life four months ago, has thanked all those who have pushed for a Royal Commission.

She says she never gave up hope that the community's pleas would be heard.

"It's just the people too that supported the petitions, online and out there in the community," she said.

"Everyone I think was just horrified, at the depth of what this is.

"I think people have known about this over the years, but never to the extent.

"When John went, I think it just lifted that whole lid off, unfortunately at his expense and all of our family's expense."

Mrs Pirona says she felt enormous relief when the Prime Minister's announcement was made.

"I just hope that John and everybody that has paid a price for this, that their families that are left here like us, their children, that this is some type of justice for them because it has been a long, long time coming."

Hunter-based child sex abuse victim Peter Gogarty, who has long campaigned for a Royal Commission says it was a life-changing announcement by the Prime Minister.

"It will rank as one of the most memorable days in my life," he said.

"For Australia and probably world-wide, the significance of this is extraordinary.

"That ordinary people have achieved something extraordinary and the Hunter Valley can take a huge amount of credit for this Royal Commission being established."