It is reported in the West Australian newspaper (thewest.com.au) that clergy abuse victims  seeking redress for the harm they have suffered are protesting by way of a vigil outside Melbourne’s catholic cathedral. They want the “church” the report says to enter into dialogue: “Victim’s groups are united in their resolve to hold restorative discussions and conferences with the Melbourne Catholic hierarchy to this end”.

The vigil coincides with the Pope’s visit to Australia for “World Youth Day”. As discussed in a previous blog article the Pope is supposedly intent in repairing the enormous damage caused by clergy abuse, but how in reality this is to be brought about remains to be seen. In my experience victims are still confronted with closed doors and tightly bolted ones at that.

I am of the opinion that there is much to be said for victim power. It takes in my view a certain bravery to go public and protest, and by doing so it makes it much for difficult for the powers that be to ignore the victims’ claims, which in my experience is often the usual response. As that classic Patti Smith song goes: “The people have the power“…

Alan Collins

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