***Content warning: This episode discusses institutional and child abuse. If this may be triggering for you, consider skipping this episode or listening at a different time. For support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (more contact numbers below)***

They’re meant to be places that have your best interests at heart, but some religious and government institutions have instead become spaces where abuse and neglect have occurred. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse exposed the scale of historic abuse in institutions in Australia.

In this episode of Law Matters, Catherine Henry speaks with Bob O’Toole, Co-founder and Chair of the Clergy Abused Network (CAN) Hunter-Newcastle-Manning, about how his organisation supports those seeking justice and redress.

In this episode, Catherine and Bob talk about:

• How CAN supports survivors
• Seeking justice through the National Redress Scheme, civil claims and mediation
• General advice for people thinking about seeking redress.

Disclaimer

While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation.

For support, please reach out to the following services:

Lifeline - Free 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support for all Australians - Call 13 11 14

Clergy Abused Network - a network of trauma-informed and sensitive volunteers who share the experience of being impacted by abuse by clergy or abuse by lay workers in religious contexts.

National Redress Scheme - is for people who experienced child sexual abuse while in an institution. The Scheme helps people access redress and can connect them to free confidential Redress Support Services.

For more information, please visit:

Our free online resource FAQs: Institutional Abuse available on our website.

If you or someone you know needs advice regarding redress for institutional abuse, you can learn more by contacting the team at Catherine Henry Lawyers on 1800 874 949.