Victim-survivors tear up agreement with Catholic church

Ribbons tied to the fence of St Patrick's Cathedral in Ballarat. (ABC News: Rhiannon Stevens) An organisation representing survivor-victims of clergy abuse has torn up agreements reached with the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat. The organisation said it had been working with the diocese towards two permanent memorials at St Patrick's Cathedral and St Alipius Old Boys School in Ballarat. Father Marcello Colasante from the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat says he empathises with victim-survivors after the High Court decision in 2024. Link copiedShareShare articleAn organisation representing survivor-victims of clergy abuse has torn up agreements reached with the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat and has accused the church of hypocrisy. Loud Fence and The Ballarat and District Survivors Memorial Committee said they had been working with the diocese towards two permanent memorials at St Patrick's Cathedral and St Alipius Old Boys School in Ballarat for victims of clergy abuse. Victim-survivor Gary Sculley said those negotiations and agreements were now null and void. "We've sat down and negotiated and told them with good faith, transparency, and honesty to come to a resolution on how we build permanent memorials on these sites," Mr Sculley said. In 2024, The High Court ruled that the Diocese of Ballarat was not vicariously liable for the abuse perpetrated by one of its priests. (ABC News: Gregory Nelson) Mr Sculley said concerns were heightened following the High Court decision in 2024 concerning vicarious liability, where the court determined that an institution cannot be held responsible for abuse or wrongdoing by non-employees. Victoria and the ACT have already reversed this decision, meaning a priest, Christian brother, or a volunteer can be defined as "akin" or similar to an employee. Both governments have approved this legislation retrospectively, allowing historical victim-survivors to set aside previous settlements and bring forward new claims. But Mr Sculley said, despite the reversal, victims-survivors were still struggling. "So we cannot, we will not, negotiate with a system that is treating survivors that way until they come to terms with what they've done wrong and accept accountability." Ribbons have been cut and removed from the St Patrick's Cathedral fence. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham) On Sunday, Loud Fence members gathered at Ballarat's St Patrick's Cathedral to tie ribbons on the gates to support survivors of abuse, after hundreds were taken down last week by the church. Father Marcello Colasante from the Ballarat Catholic Diocese said ribbons outside of the approved placement area were "respectfully removed". "The understanding reached between ourselves and Loud Fence was to designate one panel of the Cathedral fence for ribbons to be tied to, should anyone wish to do so," Fr Colasante said. "By doing this, with a focus on a single panel, the panel then becomes a living memorial for victim-survivors of sexual abuse. "It highlights the ongoing commitment we all have to keeping all people safe, particularly the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults." But Mr Sculley said these areas were only ever meant to be an interim solution. Victim-survivor Livio Turkevic said each ribbon represented a victim. "The parishioners just see them as ribbons," Mr Turkovic said. "This system does not care about what we say, what we're going through." "It's just attack, attack, attack, until you break." Fr Colasante said he believed conversations were continuing in relation to the erection of two permanent memorials in Ballarat. "My understanding is with the arrival of our new bishop, Bishop Freeman, he has clearly stated at his ordination … 'to victim-survivors, your families and the communities deeply affected by the experience'," Fr Colasante said. "[Bishop Freeman said] 'I pledge my readiness to listen, to learn and to support everything that enables healing and deep peace in your lives.'" Fr Colasante said he empathised and sympathised with victim-survivors after the High Court decision in 2024. "Because of that action, they have felt that trust has been eroded, so we as a church community have to work twice as hard now to regain their trust and work together towards what we need to do," he said. "But we also need to acknowledge that this is going to take some time." Copy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Counselling and support services1800 Respect, National counselling helpline: 1800 737 732Bravehearts, counselling and support for survivors of child sexual abuse: 1800 272 831Lifeline, 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention: 13 11 14Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800Headspace on 1800 650 890 (children and young people)ReachOut at au.reachout.com (children and young people)Find support services in your state or territory.

Victim-survivors tear up agreement with Catholic church

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