Abuse Survivors Will Be Present When Cardinal George Pell Gives Evidence

Bring it in, folks: here’s cheers to bloody justice.

Victims of child sexual abuse will be present when Cardinal George Pell gives evidence to the Royal Commission in Rome next week, with Justice Peter McClellan considering their request to be “reasonable.”

About 15 victims and support staff will fly to Rome later this week ahead of Cardinal Pell’s video evidence on Monday, after a crowdfunding campaign to fly them over smashed its $55k target in one day. (It’s currently passed the $200k mark, with Meshel Laurie, who started the campaign, telling PEDESTRIAN.TV that the remaining funds will go to establishing a healing centre in Ballarat.)

That number includes abuse survivor Paul Levey – one of pedophile priest Gerald Ridsale‘s staggering 53 victims – flying earlier than the rest, in order to allow for a 24-hour stopover for life-saving treatment for his deep vein thrombosis.

At this stage, a hotel room in Rome is considered to be the goer, with the room’s broadcasting abilities to be tested tonight. If it fails, then another location will be identified.

Survivor Andrew Collins, who was abused by four different men from the age of 7, told The Guardian that being present is a huge part of the healing process.

“When we had to give evidence, it was very hard to stand up in front of everybody and do that. It’s important George Pell goes through that same process, not just sitting by himself in a room which will be very easy. He should have to see people, look them in the eyes, and know that they’re there when he gives the answers.”


Source: The Guardian.

Image: Franco Origlia / Getty.

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