George Pell has had his child sexual abuse convictions quashed and has been set free from prison.
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The monumental outcome will no doubt have huge enormous ramifications in his hometown of Ballarat.
Amidst fears of backlash following the sensational Pell acquittal, the catholic church has stepped up security around several of its key Ballarat locations on Tuesday.
Security guards have been seen in place at booth St Patrick's Cathedral and St Alipius in Ballarat East.
The churches remained closed due to the coronavirus pandemic Cardinal George Pell resided at the St Alipius presbytery in the 1970's before moving to Melbourne.
Below, The Courier will examine the city's reaction of the High Court's decision.
The page will be constantly updated throughout the day.
If you are affected by this story, there are a number of helplines at the bottom of the page. You can also follow this link.
Andrew Collins, Ballarat-based survivor
"I'm really flat."
"It was always a possibility.
"It highlights just how hard it is for child sexual abuse cases in court because it is a personal crime, a crime that is done in private without witnesses and when taken to court it is essentially one person's word against another.
"That always has problems.
"It is very hard to prosecute, which is why a lot of cases never make it to court and we just have to be mindful that the court system isn't about justice, it is a legal process and that legal process has rules that don't always favour victims.
"There was always a possibility he was going to get off on this and it went that way. To my way of thinking, with all the alleged victims I have met of Pell, especially in light of the television program Revelations that came out last week as well, we know there are other people out there. I would say don't give up. This is the way the world is at the moment.
"At least there is one thing we can look forward to and that is all the Royal Commission final reports that were redacted, anything to do with George Pell was redacted, they will be able to be released now and I look forward to finally seeing what he knew and what he didn't. That will be very interesting.
"But we just have to respect the court decision, if it had gone the other way we would have been asking people to respect the decision and we have to do the same now and respect that decision. It is terrible but it is what it is.
"A lot of people did come forward but just couldn't handle the whole idea of going through a court process. Some of their cases weren't particularly strong enough to take to court and then you have others like the ones we saw on television last week, those people would be absolutely shattered. My thoughts are with them and I hope they pull through this okay.
"It is a terrible time the whole world is going through right now. This is what it is and we just have to accept it and move on."
Phil Nagle, Ballarat-based survivor
"I am in shock and disbelief. It is hard to believe two court systems can find him guilty and he is found guilty in front of a jury of his peers and the Court of Appeal's dismissal of appeal, then you have a third court that says we are going to quash the whole thing.
"I am not sure how the court systems work but that seems a bit unrealistic, but that is what has happened, so I am certainly in shock.
"It is certainly going to have an impact on survivors that haven't gone through that system yet. I went through it in the 90s, it is a very difficult process to go through. It certainly would put some element of doubt in your mind about going down that road. I certainly feel very very sorry and disappointed for the victim in this situation with Cardinal Pell because it was obviously a very harrowing experience.
"I don't think it instills a lot of confidence in the justice system. I have had two or three reporters from overseas ring me this morning and say 'what is going on with your courts over there, how does this sort of stuff happen?' It doesn't give you a lot of faith in the justice system.
"To other survivors, stay strong, make sure you get the support network around you and the care and support you need to get through it.
"We have a group in Ballarat and we keep in touch with each other, certainly this morning before it we were all supportive of each other.
"That is what we have to do. These are tough things. We still have to go through the Royal Commission report when that gets un-redacted as well.
"The courts decide what he did and didn't do and the Royal Commission decides what he did or did not know. So the process is a long way from being over. We still have a bit to go I think.
"There was talk there might be other charges as well so we will just wait and see what happens with that."
Stephen Woods, was abused by three priests while at school in Ballarat
"I am feeling upset and appalled. It highlights the devastating nature of one per cent conviction rate in sexual crimes in Australia. Why would a victim come forward and go through all this when we only get one per cent of convictions? The people who need to be on trial now are in the criminal justice system. At one per cent convictions, why would any victim come forward?"
"Victims need a lawyer who is able to stand at the bar and argue our case in court. The only person who gets to decide what trial goes ahead and what trial doesn't is the Director of Public Prosecutions and there is no comeback for victims to argue through an assigned lawyer or through their chosen lawyer to get their day in court.
"Pell is not the issue here. Pell is an example. The issue here is victims are not supported properly in an 1850s system of criminal justice that we have in Victoria. I cannot stress this strongly enough, we now need to have a major inquiry and change according to what Peter McClellan (former Judge of Appeal in NSW) said at a recent justice commission that victims need a voice in court in the criminal justice system.
"The criminal justice system is dramatically failing victims of childhood sexual assault. Most perpetrators are family members. It is so very difficult to get a criminal prosecution up and to get a conviction when the perpetrator can have a lawyer, the state has a lawyer, but the victim doesn't have a lawyer arguing their case."
Maureen Hatcher, Loud Fence founder
"I feel for survivors. It is devastating."
"But we have got to keep that hope that this isn't a step backwards, in fact, what has happened in the last few years is that we have heard survivor voices very loudly and hopefully that will continue."
Monument family, statement posted on the Loud Fence page (family affected by child sexual abuse)
"We sincerely hope that today's decision by the High Court of Australia does not become a deterrent to survivor victims.
"It is more important than ever that they continue to speak their truth and hold to account both perpetrators and institutions.
"Our thoughts are with J, his family and friends.
"You are not alone, you were believed."
Paul Bird, Bishop of Ballarat
"The outcome of Cardinal Pell's High Court appeal against his conviction on historical child sexual abuse charges is the culmination of many months of uncertainty."
"The whole process of trials and appeals has been distressing, most immediately for those directly involved in the court proceedings, but also for others in the community, including victims and survivors of abuse and their families.
"There has been a special impact on those of us who live in Ballarat and in our Ballarat diocese more broadly because of Cardinal Pell's early connections with this city and with our diocese.
"The case has divided opinions in legal circles and in the general community. Now that the highest court in the land has given a judgement, I hope this will bring some sense of resolution to all those affected by the proceedings."
Catherine King, Federal Member for Ballarat
"I know that many in our community will be hurting today."
"My thoughts, and the thoughts of all in our community, are with survivors.
"While I respect the High Court, I cannot respect an institution or an individual that allowed the abuse in Ballarat to not only occur but to be covered up.
"There has been a lot of focus on this particular case, but our support for survivors has never been dependent on legal cases. It has always been about standing by those who were wronged.
"Our support for survivors is unchanged.
"The bravery of survivors cannot be overstated. You are a key part of our Ballarat community and we support you forever."
City of Ballarat deputy mayor and advocate for survivors Belinda Coates
"It is really heart-wrenching for all victim survivors to hear the news this morning.
"My heart does go out to all victim-survivors and my thoughts are with all victim-survivors of all forms of sexual abuse, institutional, familial or other abuse, bearing in mind the impact this kind of high profile case on people in the community.
"I am hoping it doesn't deter people from coming forward because it has been such an arduous process. Realistically, the fallout from this particular case isn't going away, but in terms of the bigger picture, the hope is it is not a deterrent to others in coming forward to seek support.
"People who have experienced abuse, child sexual abuse or sexual assault have the right to be believed and supported and everyone is entitled to support around that. This case really demonstrates an arduous process for victim-survivors within the legal system. What this case says is they found fault with the legal process, but it is clear the issues aren't going away.
"Locally, a light continues to be shone on the issues and through our City of Ballarat Continuous Voices project, that is a way of acknowledging people who have been impacted in the past by any form of sexual abuse, including child sexual abuse and institutional abuse, but it is also recognising there are people who continue to speak out. Hopefully as a community we can continue to support and believe survivors that do speak out."
Ballarat's Centre Against Sexual Assault
It is anticipated that the George Pell High Court decision announced today will lead to an increase in community distress, and referrals across Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA).
Ballarat CASA Operations Director, Shireen Gunn, said that 24hr support services were open, and intake workers were ready to take calls.
"If anyone feels overwhelmed or distressed with this announcement you are encouraged to pick up the phone and seek support. At a time when we are required to distance ourselves from others, reaching out over the phone is vitally important. You are not alone. We are here."
CASA intake workers provide support to those in need and can coordinate additional counselling over the phone.
The frequency and duration of phone counselling is flexible, and all services are funded by the Victorian Government, so are free of charge.
In addition to seeking support from CASA, Shireen encouraged those affected to reduce their exposure to news coverage and nurture themselves "turn off the television, or close the media apps on your phone. Try to protect yourself from destressing material on the internet and instead go for a walk, listen to music or podcasts, be creative in the garden or the kitchen and contact friends and family. Now is the time to infuse your days with positive influences as much as possible".
You can phone Ballarat CASA on 5320 3933, or free-call the crisis care line 24 hours on 1800 806 292.
Or phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380 between 9am and 5pm, or Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.
Ben Taylor, Ballarat mayor
"The City of Ballarat is always here for its community, especially at difficult times."
"There are a lot of community supports available around these issues and anyone who is struggling today is urged to make contact with these groups as soon as possible.
"The Council remains committed to supporting survivors of institutionalised child sexual abuse.
"We continue to focus on being a truly compassionate city and the actions we can take to all heal together as a community. More than ever, we need people to be kind.
"Through the Compassionate Cities Charter we are working with other leaders and agencies in Ballarat to change the culture of our city, to focus on kindness, vulnerability, health and care for all people.
"We would encourage anyone who is affected by today's proceedings to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault on 5320 3933 or the free call CASA crisis care line 24 hours on 1800 806 292."
St Patrick's College, where George Pell went to school
"Edmund Rice Education Australia, the St Patrick's College Board, the Old Collegians Association and the executive of St Patrick's College understand that the decision by the High Court to uphold Cardinal George Pell's appeal and overturn his conviction will generate much discussion in our community."
"St Patrick's College and its governors now await the release of the full findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
"Upon their release, the College will review the findings and determine what, if any, steps to take with respect to naming honours previously bestowed upon Cardinal Pell.
"We remain ever mindful of the traumatic impact of child sexual abuse wherever and whenever this has occurred and St Patrick's College will continue its ongoing commitment to work with and support victims and survivors of sexual abuse."
Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria
"I make no comment about today's High Court decision."
"But I have a message for every single victim and survivor of child sex abuse:
"I see you.
"I hear you.
"I believe you."
Stuart Grimley, member for Western Victoria for Derryn Hinch's Justice Party and former police officer
"I'm very disappointed, however there are a lot more people out there at the moment who are feeling a lot worse than I am."
"This will have an effect on every victim of sexual abuse around Australia.
"People will see this outcome and know that it may make things more difficult for them going forward... there is no justice for them.
"In my previous role as a SOCIT detective I've been in the situation where victims of historic child sexual abuse have come forward years after the fact.
"I would always ask 'It's been so many years since this has happened, is there any reason you're coming forwards now?' and one of the things we would often hear is people saying they weren't sure if anything would come out of it.
"It had just gotten to the point in their lives where they had to come forward for their own mental health.
"When they see that something like this can happen, it's just another hurdle that they see they may have to jump through."
Australian Catholic University spokesperson
"As it has throughout this case, ACU accepts and respects the judicial process."
"This has been a very difficult process for many in our community.
"We remain mindful of survivors of sexual abuse and their families, who require our ongoing support and comfort."
Affected by this story? There is help available.
You can phone CASA, Sebastopol on 5320 3933, or free-call the crisis care line 24 hours on 1800 806 292. Or phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380 between 9am and 5pm, or Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.
Other support numbers include:
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
- Mensline: 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au
- Survivors of Suicide: 0449 913 535
- Relationships Australia: 1800 050 321
- Ballarat Community Health: 5338 4500
- headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parent support): 5304 4777
- QLife: 1800 184 527 (Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people)
- Soldier On: 1300 620 380
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