St Michael’s Regional High School in Wagga Wagga closed in 2003. Photo: National Library of Australia.
Law firm Slater and Gordon is urging witnesses to alleged historical child sexual abuse at St Michael’s Regional High School in Wagga Wagga to come forward with any information that may assist survivors of the alleged abuse.
Slater and Gordon Associate in Abuse Law, Deema Dermelkonian, said the firm had commenced proceedings on behalf of one 52-year-old male client and one 40-year-old male client regarding their alleged sexual abuse perpetrated by a former male teacher at St Michael’s.
“We currently hold instructions from two separate clients who allege they suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a male teacher, with the 52-year-old’s alleged abuse occurring in 1984 and the 40-year-old’s alleged abuse occurring in 1999,” she said.
“These clients were in just Year 7 when the alleged abuse began, and it has had a devastating impact on their lives,” Ms Dermelkonian said.
St Michael’s Regional High School was a Catholic boy’s school run by the Christian Brothers before it was taken over by the Diocese of Wagga Wagga in 1996. It closed in 2003.
Slater and Gordan are known for representing victims of abuse by clergy and in school, religious and other institutional settings.
“Our clients allege to have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of someone who was meant to guide and support them during a formative time in their lives,” Ms Dermelkonian said.
“School is supposed to be a place where children can be safe, and instead for both of our clients it became the place of deep trauma that has permanently altered the course of their lives.”
Under NSW law, there is no longer a time limit on when a survivor of child sexual abuse can bring a claim for compensation, and witnesses may help victims to pursue a claim for damages regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
The time limit was abolished in March 2016, after a national royal commission into child sexual abuse highlighted how such a law disadvantages victims of clergy abuse, most of whom only come forward many years after their mistreatment.
“We believe there could be potential witnesses living in NSW or interstate. If you witnessed abuse at St Michael’s Regional High School, please do not hesitate to reach out to Slater and Gordon Lawyers on 1800 565 892,” Ms Dermelkonian said.
Ms Dermelkonian said any information received would be treated confidentially.
Slater and Gordon can also be contacted through its website.
