1300 679 222
Abuse within the Church
Church & Sexual Abuse
Compensation is very important to victims of sexual abuse. After decades of denial and cover-ups, the individuals responsible for the institutional sexual abuse of children, and the religious organisations that enabled them, are now accountable for their crimes. At IACHA, we hold institutions accountable, and the compensation paid is much more favourable than most think.
In 2012, a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was announced, and a call for submissions was made. In 2013 the Royal Commission began hearings and responded to the over 500,000 "Forgotten Australians" who suffered sexual abuse within churches, schools, governments and sporting groups.
The person is dead. What do I do?
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I've never reported it.
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It happened over 40 years ago.
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Compensation
IACHA reaches out to all former victims of sexual abuse to share your story if you wish, but, more importantly, we provide a streamlined and effective service to claim compensation from institutions.
100% support legal and medical.
Claims settled efficiently.
Proven & trusted service.
Broad support network.
Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
The reason for the term ‘institutional child sexual abuse’ is because it is different from sexual abuse in families or other situations. Institutional child sex abuse can be perpetrated in many settings, such as:
- On an institution’s premises -a church, school orphanage, child care centre, a children’s home or a club.
- Sexual assault or abuse can occur at an institution’s camp or sporting facility.
- An institution’s officials can commit such crimes, as can religious leaders such as clergy, nuns or priests, camp leaders, coaches, trainers, or teachers.
According to the Royal Commission’s findings, widespread abuse occurred mainly in the Roman Catholic Church, but Anglican Church sexual abuse was also common. Abuse in these settings was not disclosed for many decades, and church authorities failed to implement effective responses and tried to hide the actions of their abusive priests.
Australian Catholic Church officials, Catholic bishops and leading religious authorities covered up cases of priests sexually abusing children. The perpetrators were often moved to another parish, where they continued to participate in child abuse.
Historical Child Sex Abuse
Historical child sexual abuse is a term used to describe what happened to an adult when they were a child or under the age of 18. The abuse may have occurred years ago or even decades ago. The pain and shame associated with the sexual abuse of a child never go away and are exacerbated if the child is not believed.
Priests and clergy have abused hundreds of children. Many survivors told the Royal Commission the reason they did not disclose the church sexual abuse was either threat by the perpetrators, fears of not being believed, making trouble, shaming their families and ruining the church’s reputation.
Those abused were mostly boys, and girls, some as young as three. Catholic priests were the primary abusers who tried to cover up their crimes.
Reporting Church Sexual Abuse
It is never too late to report sexual crimes since there is no time limit, and your local police can investigate a sexual crime even years after the alleged perpetrators committed it. Some victims report the sexual crime immediately, but others may report days, weeks, months, or decades after the abuse occurred. Some people never disclose and are denied justice.
Compensation won’t change what happened, but it can go a long way towards the healing state of being believed, and receiving what is in effect a monetary apology. Call us at IACHA if this is you, so we can help.
When Churches Fail to Protect Children
Churches and religious institutions failed in their pastoral care, didn’t protect children or respond properly when abuse allegations were reported. The actions changed the way the abused children and young people saw and understood their place in their world. They feel betrayed and are left with an abiding fear.
As they get older and their abuser is not accountable, the victims very often become depressed and anxious. They may have trouble forming relationships due to a lack of trust, and some become promiscuous. Others turn to drugs and petty crime to numb the pain.
Why Call us at IACHA?
Our aim at IACHA is to expose these injustices and help you to receive compensation. We have church sexual abuse lawyers who are sensitive and competent. If you have been sexually abused in any church, contact us today on 1300 679 222 or send us a message on the online form. Remember, you have every right to compensation and legal action.
Email info@iacha.com.au.
The silence is over.
Compensation brings a sense of relief & financial empowerment.