THERE is no doubt it has been a dark week for Ballarat as the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse continues to expose the city’s tragic history.
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The Courier spoke to members of the public in the Bridge Mall on Saturday to gauge a community response to what has been revealed.
Ballarat’s Sue, who didn’t want her last name printed, said it was unbelievable to hear the details of what people got away with.
Angela Hearn said it was really sad for the city to have gone through such a sensitive time.
“As a Christian, you can understand when people are turned away from God and the church with news like this, when there are great things going on. It’s really sad. You can see why people don’t want a bar of it,” she said.
She said she felt for those victims who had to reopen wounds through sharing their stories, but commended them for their bravery.
Donna said it was appalling to hear what happened all those decades ago, with no one addressing the situation at the time.
“For the victims, how can they put a price on what was done to them?
“I really sincerely hope it’s not still going on, but it possibly could be.
“It’s horrifying to hear of it anywhere, whether it’s on your doorstep here in Ballarat or elsewhere.”
Lyn said the public has been aware of what happened now for years, but it was terrible to have it brought to the forefront of the community.
