November 13th 2024.
The Catholic diocese in Ballarat has recently been cleared from any liability concerning the sexual abuse of a young boy by one of its priests. The decision was made by the High Court, who overturned a previous ruling by the Supreme Court of Victoria that held the diocese responsible. Upon further review, it was determined that the legislation in question did not allow for the diocese to be held vicariously liable, as the priest was not considered an employee of the church.
The lawsuit was brought forth by a man who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Father Bryan Coffey in his parents' home in Port Fairy back in 1971 when he was just five years old. Father Coffey had previously been convicted in 1999 for similar charges, including indecent assaults on minors and false imprisonment. The current bishop of the diocese, Paul Bird, was also named in the lawsuit.
The man, known as DP in court documents, did not disclose the abuse to anyone except for his partner until 2018. He sought a hefty sum of $1.5 million for loss of earnings as a result of the assaults, a figure that was deemed by Justice Jack Forrest as "bold." In light of this decision, it is important to remember that support is available for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and family violence. The National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service can be reached at 1800RESPECT for those in need.
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