institutional child sexual abuse

Seeking witnesses from Patrician Brothers College (All Saints Catholic School), Liverpool NSW, around 1970. Confidential support available.

Koffels Solicitors & Barristers are seeking witnesses who attended or worked at St Joseph’s College, Ouyen during the early to mid-1980s. Confidential information from former students or staff may assist a Survivor in a historical abuse matter.

Koffels is seeking witnesses from Yeoval Public School (NSW) around 1983. Confidential information is sought regarding alleged abuse by a former teacher during class time. Former students, staff, and community members with relevant recollections are encouraged to contact us.

2025 was a transormative year for the law in the context of institutional child abuse. In particular, it marked a shift away from symbolic recongition and towards survivor-centred justice. It was also tested by the emergence of new risks and challenges.

Survivors of the Parramatta Marist High School Canoe Club have taken action over historical abuse by teacher Graeme Stuart Hawkins. This article outlines the court findings, institutional failures, and our ongoing work to help additional Survivors come forward confidentially.

Former teacher Keith Bates-Willie has been sentenced to 21 years for historic child sexual abuse. This decisive outcome shows that justice remains possible, even decades later, and may encourage other survivors to come forward to seek support and accountability.

The ACT’s new legislation marks one of the most consequential reforms in recent years – overturning the Bird v DP decision and signalling a decisive move toward survivor-centred justice in Australia’s courts.

The ABC’s recent investigation into child sexual abuse within Australian childcare centres has reignited public outrage — and forced a difficult legal question – if the overwhelming majority of offenders are men, could it ever be lawful to prefer, or even restrict, employment in childcare to women?

The Catholic Church grapples with decades of abuse scandals. Pope Leo XIV’s reforms and Australia’s legal response signal a new era of accountability and survivor-led change.