Principals of Catholic Schools throughout Australia Have Apologised for Abuse

By Kathryn Powley
Herald Sun
June 1, 2017

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/principals-of-catholic-schools-throughout-australia-have-apologised-for-abuse/news-story/6de8ec5661047097ad2cf60c8012b9d7

PRINCIPALS of Catholic schools have jointly apologised for sexual abuse inflicted on students at their schools.

In a move likened to the Australian Government apologising to the Stolen Generation, Edmund Rice Education Australia today led a “National Ritual of Apology” for victims of abuse at schools including St Patrick’s Ballarat, St Kevin’s College Toorak, and Parade College.

In a special session at the organisations national principals’ conference in Canberra, executive director Wayne Tinsey read a “long overdue statement of acknowledgment and regret”, with principals and representatives of all 34 Edmund Rice Australia schools endorsing each point in unison saying “For this we apologise”.

Dr Tinsey read the statement, beginning: “Today we begin a journey of major change by publicly acknowledging the sexual abuse of students in our schools, some dead, some above, some unknown.

“Today we directly acknowledge the scarring harm of sexual abuse as abhorrent, sinful, shameful and disgraceful. And we also acknowledge that whatever was done can never be undone,”

He acknowledged the “helplessness, powerlessness, fear, guilt and shame experienced by victims”.

Young people had felt “betrayed” when they should have been nurtured. They had felt anger against their abusers and those who failed to protect them.

Dr Tinsey acknowledged the “sadness, grief and sense of loss” felt by victims.

Survivor Ian Whitehead.

“Today we directly acknowledge the alarming statistics of serial sexual abuse, assault and molestation of young people in our schools by Christian Brothers, Clergy and lay staff,” it said.

He said there had been “unimaginable pain endured by families, friends and loved ones” as a result of lasting trauma, and acknowledged that victims continued to endure ongoing suffering in adulthood.

“And finally, most significantly, today is the day we directly acknowledge that there has been a history of denial, secrecy, suppression and diminution in relation to sexual abuse crimes.

“Barriers have been placed which have hindered redress. Victims have not had a real voice. Rightful acknowledgment has not been given to those crying for justice.”

Dr Tinsey said the apology had the full support of the Christian Brothers and had been developed with input from survivors.

Advocate Ian Whitehead was invited to the event as a survivor of abuse.

He told the Herald Sun: “It was very emotional. It had a bit impact. There were survivors there from Ballarat, they were very moved.”

Mr Whitehead said the apology was “a huge positive step forward”.

He said each school had been encouraged to contact survivors and work o help them heal. Schools would also be creating permanent memorials to acknowledge the abuse that had taken place.

Contact: kathryn.powley@news.com.au