Image: The Boys and Girls Brigade building in Surry Hills. Image: boysandgirlsbrigade.org.au
Witnesses to alleged historical sexual abuse at The Boys Brigade (now The Boys and Girls Brigade) in Surry Hills are being urged to come forward with any evidence that might assist survivors of the alleged abuse.
Slater and Gordon Lawyer in Abuse Law, Gabrielle Scullin said they are currently investigating the sexual abuse of children by a worker at the organisation between 1987 and 1995.
“We currently hold instructions from a client who say they suffered sexual abuse at the hands of this worker,” said Ms Scullin.
“Our client was barely 10 when this abuse occurred, and it has had a devastating impact on his life, which is why we’re seeking witnesses and any other victims to come forward to help us get them the justice, closure and compensation they need and deserve,” she continued.
The worker facilitated games for the children there and supervised them. Abuse allegedly occurred in both the basement and top landing of the building.
The Boys Brigade was established in 1882 by Sir James Fairfax from The Sydney Morning Herald as a respite for newspaper boys, who lacked safe spaces to play in the poor inner-city conditions at the time.
Girls were officially welcomed with a dedicated space in 1983.
“Our client suffered sexual abuse at the hands of this worker when he was supposed to be in the care of this organisation,” said Ms Scullin.
“What was supposed to be a safe space became the place of deep trauma that has permanently altered the course of our client’s life.”
In New South Wales, there is no time limit on when child sex abuse compensation claims can be made, meaning victims can pursue a claim for damages regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Legislation was also passed in 2021 that allows courts to break with unfair settlements that were forced on child sexual abuse survivors by churches and other institutions.
The laws also allowed for gag orders to be lifted, which previously prevented survivors from speaking out about the abuse they endured.
Slater and Gordon Lawyers are now calling for potential witnesses to come forward.
“We believe there could be potential witnesses living in New South Wales or interstate,” said Ms Scullin.
“If you suffered abuse by a worker at The Boys Brigade, or any others, or if you are aware of the abuse of other children, please do not hesitate to reach out to Slater and Gordon Lawyers.”
Witnesses are urged to call Slater and Gordon on 1800 565 892.
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