A former student from St Kevin’s College in Melbourne has initiated a class action against the Christian Brothers, alleging historical sexual abuse experienced while he was a student there. Now aged 60, the individual claims his teacher, Brother Welsh, subjected him to multiple instances of severe abuse after class in 1976 when he was only ten years old. The unnamed victim described the enduring and life-altering impact of these experiences, stating that they left him feeling perpetually vulnerable and fearful.
The legal firm Arnold Thomas and Becker has filed a writ in the Supreme Court on behalf of the victim, claiming the Christian Brothers failed in their duty of care and were negligent. They are seeking compensation for the victim’s pain and suffering, medical expenses, and economic losses resulting from the abuse.
The lawyers are also encouraging other former students of St Kevin’s, particularly those who attended in the 1960s, 70s, and 90s, to come forward if they have faced similar abuse. They believe that the Christian Brothers had prior knowledge of risks to students given the nature of abuse complaints received against other staff members.
Reflecting on his traumatic past, the victim shared that the abuse has significantly affected his life and future prospects, leading to a sense of lost opportunities and diminished employability. He articulated that what could have been a successful and fulfilling life was irrevocably harmed by his experience at St Kevin’s.
In response to the allegations, the Christian Brothers Oceania Province stated their intention to “rigorously defend” against the claims. They asserted that the accusations concern a deceased Brother who reportedly had an unblemished record, denying any known instances of misconduct. The organisation condemned the act of publically naming the deceased Brother without any judicial findings as a severe misrepresentation of justice.
For those affected, support is available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).