A BALLARAT victim of Christian Brother Robert Charles Best is petitioning for a justice commission into sexual abuse cases in Victoria involving members of the religious organisations.
Patrick (not his real name) will petition the Attorney-General for a “fair go” and equal rights for victims of sexual abuse by Christian Brothers, priests and those in other religious denominations.
“I want to introduce this petition to Parliament rather than have the issue swept under the carpet any more. There have been similar justice commissions in other states, why not Victoria?” Patrick asked.
“I want the Victorian victims to be recognised in court for the pain and suffering they endured, the same as the asbestos victims, car accident victims and workplace accident victims have. ”
Patrick said the guilty plea this week by Best to a string of child sex offences brought him some form of relief.
The abuse at the hands of Best during his time at St Alipius Parish School still haunts Patrick 40 years on.
“It’s disgusting what happened to me and to so many other young kids. It plays on my mind and I feel like he is abusing me every day of my life,” he said.
Patrick was an 11-year-old grade six pupil at St Alipius Parish School in the early 1970s when he was sexually abused on two separate occasions by Best.
But it took another nine years before he broke his silence and was 20 when he told his parents.
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