MSA

Senior Italian Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu is suspected of paying A$1.14 million from Vatican funds to witnesses, to ensure the takedown of his bitter rival, Cardinal George Pell.

Published on NZ Herald

The allegedly corrupt cardinal wanted to ensure that Melbourne Supreme Court witnesses gave a hostile testimony in order to put Cardinal Pell behind bars during the 2019 trial, reports Italian media.

Cardinal Pell was accused of molesting choir boys in Melbourne in the 1990s, he was convicted, sentenced, imprisoned and later cleared. He returned to Rome on the 30th of September this year after spending 18 months in jail.

It is reported that a “huge enmity” exists between the two. Cardinal Pell, as the Pope’s finance minister, sought to expose Cardinal Becciu for misappropriating Vatican funds. The 72-year old is allegedly suspected of funnelling Vatican cash to charities and businesses run by his three brothers.

Investigators alleged Cardinal Becciu hoped the money would thwart Cardinal Pell’s transparency program which would have exposed Becciu’s own allegedly corrupt management of Vatican cash.

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Published on October 5, 2020

Hundreds of sexual abuse victims who received meagre sums of money from the Catholic Church in exchange for their silence could now seek larger compensation payouts after a judge overturned one survivor’s settlement with the church.

Published on The Age Australia

That survivor, a former altar boy known as WCB, was paid $32,500 in 1996 by the church after he was repeatedly sexually abused by Warragul priest Daniel Hourigan.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court overturned the deed of release in a landmark ruling, removing the legal barriers for WCB to sue the Catholic Church for damages.

“This is a fresh chance not just for me, but for many abuse survivors including all the other Gippsland boys who were abused by Father Daniel Hourigan. I hope the ones who feel up to it step forward and hold the church to account.”

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Published October 1, 2020

In an exclusive interview for TVNZ’s Sunday, Stan Walker bravely reveals to us the horrifying physical and sexual abuse he endured in his childhood family home in Tauranga.

Published on TVNZ

Stan has decided that it is time to bring his story out into the light, in the hope that it will encourage others with similar experiences to come forward and know that they are not alone.

Whilst his experiences are confronting and difficult to listen to at times, Stan knows that sharing them will serve immense importance in raising awareness of domestic and sexual violence, as well as supporting other survivors.

His story is also one of redemption and hope, strength and aroha. He says his family is now unrecognisable from that time, a great deal of healing and forgiveness has taken place within the whānau, along with learning to love and forgive the self.

“We’ve changed so much – it’s like I’m talking about a totally different whānau.”

Stan wants to inspire survivors to seek help, and to not be afraid to use their voice.

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Published on September 27, 2020

An advocate for victims of abuse in religious institutions says the Dilworth school case is unusual because the accused have ended up in court.

Published in RNZ

Six men in their 60s and 70s with historical links to the Anglican boys’ school in Auckland have been charged with indecent assault, sexual violation and drug supply.

Police have been investigating the Dilworth claims for a year and have so far identified 17 victims of abuse spanning from the 1970s to the early 2000s.

Liz Tonks, from the Network for Survivors of Abuse in Faith-based Institutions, says it’s unusual to see charges laid in these cases.

At a media conference yesterday the Dilworth Trust Board chair Aaron Snodgrass apologised publicly to any former students who had been abused.

Published in RNZ
15 September 2020

An Auckland boarding school has come forward to address historic allegations of sexual abuse against six of its former staff, saying it’s “cast a dark shadow” over the school.

Published on NewsHub

It comes after police charged six men who worked at Dilworth School over offences that took place across a number of decades.

The decile 4 school gives free scholarships and board to boys suffering from financial or personal hardship, in the hope of transforming their lives. But it’s been alleged at least 17 boys were abused during their time there.

“I cannot comprehend the trauma and pain those who have suffered abuse must have endured,” Dilworth headmaster Dan Reddiex said. “The abuse has cast a dark shadow over our school.”

Police have made six arrests as part of a 15-month investigation into historical offending at the prestigious school. The charges include indecent assault and sexual violation – and in one case, supplying Class A, B, and C drugs.

The men – now between the ages of 68 and 78 – worked at the school between the 1970s and 2000s and face a range of charges.

Auckland City Police Detective Senior Sergeant Geoff Baber said they were all working in various teaching roles within the school, and had overlapping roles within that period of time.

Dilworth officials say the school waived the opportunity to seek name suppression to acknowledge what has happened, and say it would’ve made it practically impossible to discuss the abuse openly with the school community.

“Any old boy that suffered abuse while at Dilworth, I want you to know if you engage with our listening service, you will be listened to, you will be believed, and you will receive the professional support you need,” said Dilworth Trust Board chairman Aaron Snodgrass.

Male survivor advocate Ken Clearwater says it will have felt like a life sentence for the victims.

“I take my hat off to the guys who’ve come forward and had the courage to go to the police – it’s huge, it’s a massive step,” he said.

None of the men charged have any current connection with the school. They’re expected to appear in court next month.

Police have thanked those that come forward so far for their bravery – but given the period of time and the number of victims so far, they are expecting more complainants to come forward.

They’re asking those with information to call (09) 302 6624, or email [email protected].

Published on NewsHub
by Giles Dexter
14 September 2020