Church hit with rape allegations

Tag: australia

PARENTS of children who were allegedly raped and molested by a Toowoomba Catholic primary school teacher are lining up with lawsuits against the church.

The parents of another two children have initiated legal action against the church, bringing the total to five.

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Damian Scattini, of law firm Slater and Gordon, is representing the five families in separate civil claims against the Corporation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba, the entity responsible for the school.

Mr Scattini said it was the families’ right to “call the church to account”.

“People are thinking about things and realising that it’s pretty poor behaviour from the church.”

Mr Scattini said he received instructions from one of the families just before Christmas and the other family had contacted him this week.

The other three families launched their civil claims in early December, 2009.

Mr Scattini said he wasn’t surprised more families were coming forward.

“The facts are pretty clear and it’s a very sad case, but it seems the only way the church will learn is if people are strong enough to call them on it (alleged abuse).”

Mr Scattini said his firm would deliver the two new notices of claim to the church this week and next.

The church had provided to them all the documents they were obliged to in the context of the lawsuit.

“It will be determined one way or another this year.

“We’re aiming for a determination by June.”

Bishop William Morris yesterday said the victims and their families remained his highest priority.

“As I have said previously, it is not appropriate for me to comment on particular cases at this time.

“However, I understand and respect the rights of victims to pursue claims,” Bishop Morris said.

“My thoughts and prayers remain with all who have been affected by this tragedy.”

http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/...t-barrage/