“There are different paths to justice”: Former choirboy’s father takes George Pell to court
<p dir="ltr"><em>Content warning: This article includes mentions of child sexual abuse (CSA).</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">The father of a former choirboy allegedly abused by George Pell has launched a civil case against the cardinal and the Catholic Church.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After being convicted of abusing two choirboys during his time as archbishop of Melbourne in the 1990s, Cardinal Pell was acquitted by the High Court in 2020, having served 13 months in prison before gaining his freedom.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The father of one of the victims, who died of a drug overdose in 2014, was told about the alleged abuse by police a year after his son’s death, according to the <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-14/george-pell-father-former-choirboy-civil-action-cardinal-church/101236968" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a></em>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He has now launched legal action against Cardinal Pell and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne in the Supreme Court of Victoria for “damages for nervous shock” that were related to finding out about the allegations, according to the statement of claim lodged in court.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The father, who cannot legally be named and has been given the pseudonym RWQ, and his solicitors from Shine Lawyers claim Cardinal Pell and the Archdiocese were negligent.</p>
<p dir="ltr">They allege the cardinal is liable for RWQ’s mental injury because it would have been reasonably foreseeable that he would suffer from nervous shock after learning of the alleged abuse, and that the Archdiocese breached a duty of care to him.</p>
<p dir="ltr">RWQ is claiming general damages, and special damages, and seeking compensation for “past loss of earning capacity and past and future medical and like expenses”, though the sum he is seeking will only be revealed if the matter goes to trial.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lisa Flynn, the Chief Legal Officer for Shine Lawyers, said the separate criminal case and High Court proceedings involving the cardinal won’t affect the civil case.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“The High Court made some decisions in relation to the criminal prosecution against [George] Pell, our case is a civil case against George Pell and the Catholic Archdiocese,” she explained.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“There are different paths to justice.”</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><em>If you are in need of support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380 for support relating to sexual abuse.</em></strong></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>
