Victorian government school abuse review: legal help for survivors
The Victorian Department of Education’s Systemic Review into Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Victorian Government Schools has confirmed the scale of abuse suffered by former students across the government school system. The review identified 483 civil claims, 482 victim-survivors, 195 alleged perpetrators and 201 Victorian government schools named in settled civil claims involving historical child sexual abuse.
For many survivors, the publication of the review and the naming of schools may bring painful memories to the surface. It may also raise important questions: Was my school named? Did others come forward? Did the school or Department know? Can I still make a claim?
If you were sexually abused by a teacher, principal, staff member or other adult connected with a Victorian government school, you may have legal rights. That can be true even if the abuse happened decades ago, even if you have never reported it before, and even if you are unsure whether records still exist.
You do not need to know whether your school is on the list
You do not need to have all the answers before speaking to us. You may remember the school, the teacher, the year level, a nickname, a location, or only parts of what happened. That is enough to start a confidential conversation.
We can help you understand:
- whether your experience may give rise to a civil claim for compensation;
- what records may exist and how they can be obtained;
- whether the Department of Education or another institution may be legally responsible;
- how earlier reports, complaints, transfers or disciplinary issues may affect your claim;
- how a civil claim differs from the National Redress Scheme; and
- how we can protect your privacy and manage the process for you.
What the review found
The review examined historical child sexual abuse by Department-employed staff in Victorian government schools where the abuse occurred on or before 31 December 1999. It found that abuse was not limited to one school or one perpetrator. It was statewide, systemic and, in many cases, enabled by institutional failures.
Among the review’s key findings were that 201 schools were named in settled civil claims, 403 schools were named across civil claims and National Redress Scheme applications, most victim-survivors who brought civil claims were male, and 71% were aged 12 or younger when the abuse commenced. On average, it took 42 years for a victim-survivor to bring a civil claim.
The review also found that children in specialist schools were disproportionately affected, with civil claim data suggesting they were about 5.6 times more likely to experience child sexual abuse than children in mainstream schools.
These figures matter because they show that many survivors delayed coming forward for understandable reasons. Silence, delay, shame, fear, uncertainty, poor records and not being believed were all part of the wider history identified in the review.
Institutional failures identified by the review
The review affirmed the Board of Inquiry’s findings that, during the relevant period, the Department’s response to child sexual abuse was affected by serious systemic failures, including an absence of policies and procedures, lack of staff guidance and training, poor record-keeping, inadequate information sharing, and a culture that prioritised the reputation of the education system over the safety of children.
The review also identified that alleged perpetrators were rarely dismissed in response to allegations, that teachers were sometimes transferred to other schools, and that historical files often contained little or no evidence that reports made by children or families were properly recorded or acted upon.
For survivors, these findings may be significant. A civil claim is not only about what an individual perpetrator did. It may also involve whether the institution failed to prevent abuse, failed to respond to warning signs, failed to keep proper records, or failed to protect students from known or suspected risks.
Compensation and legal options may still be available
Survivors of institutional child sexual abuse may be entitled to claim compensation for the lifelong impact of abuse, including pain and suffering for psychological injury, past and future treatment expenses, past and future loss of earnings, and other losses. In Victoria, there is no limitation period for civil claims relating to child sexual or physical abuse perpetrated upon a victim when that victim was a minor (under the age of 18 years) at the time the abuse occurred.
Some survivors may have applied for redress or received an apology. Others may have taken no steps at all. Getting legal advice does not commit you to starting a claim. It simply helps you understand your options before deciding what, if anything, you want to do next.
How Carbone Lawyers can help
Carbone Lawyers represents survivors of historical child sexual and physical abuse. We understand that these matters are sensitive, personal and often difficult to talk about. Our approach is confidential and respectful.
We can help investigate what happened, identify the responsible institution, obtain available records, review whether there were earlier complaints or warning signs, deal with the Department of Education, prepare the evidence needed to support your claim, and negotiate for the best possible outcome.
You will not be pushed to tell your story before you are ready. You decide how much you want to share, and we will explain each step before anything happens.
It is not too late to ask questions
Speak to us confidentially
If you were harmed at a Victorian government school, or if the Systemic Review has raised questions about something that happened to you, contact Carbone Lawyers for a confidential discussion.
Call 1800 369 888 or request a private call back. There is no pressure and no obligation.