Melb Priests Abused Hundreds of Children

news.com.au
November 23, 2015

http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/melb-priests-abused-hundreds-of-children/news-story/381a8b0691773a8beec233b36b977b45

Melb priests abused hundreds of children

EXTENT OF CHILD SEX ABUSE IN MELBOURNE ARCHDIOCESE:

HOW MANY WERE ABUSED?

* 454 made claims since 1980

* Against 188 priests, religious, employees and volunteers

* Most abuse happened 1950-1989

* A third happened in 1970s

* Nearly all offenders men (eight per cent women)

HOW MUCH HAS CATHOLIC CHURCH PAID OUT?

* $12.8m in compensation for 316 claims

* $16.8m in total including treatment, legal and other costs

* Average $52,000 per claimant

WHAT ABOUT ABUSE BY PRIESTS ONLY?

* 335 people abused by 84 priests

* Seven priests had more than 10 complaints each

* Most abuse happened at parishes and schools

* Highest number of complaints (56) against Oakleigh parish priest Kevin O'Donnell

WHAT HAS CHURCH PAID FOR PRIESTS' ABUSE?

* 14 civil claims; compensation paid in half

* $1.9m total for civil claims - average almost $270,000

* $12.9m total for 277 complaints through church's Melbourne Response claims handling process - average $46,000

SOURCE: Child abuse royal commission data on claims and substantiated complaints received by Archdiocese of Melbourne between January 1980-February 28, 2015.

Originally published as Melb priests abused hundreds of children