A victim of sexual abuse at a Catholic private school in Australia revealed in court that he did not speak out sooner about the abuse because he feared a clash with the beliefs of his parents and the school’s administration. He was concerned that if he reported the abuse, he might not be believed, and could face expulsion from the school. Additionally, he did not want to get the perpetrator, Brother Leonard, into trouble because he was friendly with him and felt conflicted about the situation. The victim’s parents struggled to pay the school fees but wanted him to attend the prestigious Catholic school.
The judge presiding over the case emphasized the profound and lasting impact that child sex offences can have on victims, affecting them for many years or even their entire lives. The abuse suffered by the victim involved a traumatic invasion of his privacy, physical safety, and emotional well-being. Brother Leonard, who worked at the school from 1968 to 1984, has been convicted of two counts of indecent assault on a male person under the repealed Crimes Act of 1900. Despite his significant health issues and lack of remorse, Leonard was considered to have a low risk of re-offending due to his age and health.
Leonard began his priesthood studies in 1962 and worked as a teacher at the school before leaving to live in Victoria, where he served as a priest and spiritual director. The victim’s concerns about reporting the abuse were rooted in a fear of not being believed, leading to potential expulsion from the school and a clash with his parents’ beliefs. Despite the trauma he suffered, he also had conflicting feelings about Brother Leonard, whom he liked despite the abuse. Leonard’s lack of remorse and maintenance of his innocence have contributed to the lack of closure for the victim, who must now come to terms with the court’s decision and the impact of the abuse on his life.
The judge acknowledged Leonard’s lack of criminal history but emphasized the severity of the offences and their impact on the victim. While Leonard has been convicted under an older set of laws with lower penalties, the judge noted that if the offences were committed today, the maximum penalty would be significantly higher. Leonard will be eligible for parole in November, raising concerns among advocates for victims of sexual abuse about the potential for him to re-offend. The case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by victims of sexual abuse in reporting their experiences and seeking justice, as well as the need for continued efforts to support and protect survivors of abuse.
