Catholic redress plan draws scepticism from sexual abuse survivor

Pathways Victoria will replace the widely-criticised Melbourne Response model, set up by Cardinal George Pell 25 years ago.

However, one survivor of clerical sexual abuse, Stephen Woods, said he's "heard these words before", following widespread criticism of the National Redress Scheme.

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The Catholic Dioceses of Victoria have released details of the new scheme online, and survivors have until May 14 to comment.

"It is important that the voices of those who have experienced abuse are heard, and that their feedback helps to shape this new model," the church said in a statement.

"This new model will offer a set of compassionate, just and appropriately resourced processes to investigate complaints and respond to survivors, as an alternative to existing options such as the national redress scheme and civil litigation.

"It offers a pathway where survivors are listened to, acknowledged, compensated and given care."

The church added the proposed scheme would offer an "operationally independent structure" for implementing its national response protocol released earlier this year, and feature lay-people on its governing board.

It says Pathways Victoria will be "person-centred and trauma-informed".

Mr Woods said he would be "surprised" if it was a "genuine change", following decades of court battles for survivors.

"Until survivors' lives are restored, either with housing and healthcare and support, for the rest of our lives, what do they think they are doing? That's what civil litigation is about," he said.

"Until they are prepared to replace our destroyed lives, anything they say is just words we've heard before - they were covering up paedophiles who were destroying our bodies.

"My body is collapsing as we speak, I'm very ill - how long have I got? My years are diminishing in health, and it's obviously due to the fact that I was severely abused as a child.

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"I'm more than sceptical, we've heard this rubbish before, we've heard these lies, these words, and as soon as the media spotlight is off them, they yet again draw out their powerful lawyers and we're put in boxes again.

"We have to jump through hoops, we have to beg and plead at the table of those who kept us from living our potential lives."

Survivors and advocates are invited to submit feedback via the Pathways Victoria website.

Affected by this story? There is help available.

You can phone the Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault, in 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, or Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.

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