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$1.3m payout for abuse survivor ‘sends strong message’
A landmark decision in Western Australia sets a significant precedent for access to justice for survivors of sexual abuse, argues one plaintiff firm.
Jerome Doraisamy
Earlier this week, the Western Australian District Court awarded $1.3 million in damages for abuse survivor John Lawrence in proceedings against the Christian Brothers for abuse suffered.
“This is a momentous outcome today for all abuse survivors in Western Australia for whom seeking financial compensation should now be a much easier and fairer process thanks to the courage of Mr Lawrence,” she said.
“Today’s decision will help to set the standard nationally for the informal settlement of historical child sexual abuse claims which will greatly assist other survivors.”
Western Australia now “leads the way” when it comes to compensating survivors of historical abuse through civil claims, Ms Taylor posited.
“With this significant awarding of damages today the West Australian courts have acknowledged the substantial impact of historical sexual abuse on individuals, regardless of an individual’s social or economic background,” she submitted.
“It was particularly pleasing to see the court awarding historical damages against the Christian Brothers despite them appallingly seeking to rely on Mr Lawrence’s difficult childhood and educational history.
“This decision sends a strong message to institutions in Western Australia that it is now time to step up and do the right thing in properly compensating survivors or face the consequences.”
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. In June 2024, he also assumed the editorship of HR Leader. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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