A MAN alleges he was sexually abused while under the care of the state in Mentone during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Slater and Gordon Lawyers is looking into allegations of abuse made against a man named Graham Johnston. The law firm says that Johnston and his wife were employed by the Sisters of Mercy to reside as “cottage parents” at Sisters of Mercy Home in Mentone.
Johnston was the “cottage father” during the late 1960s, Slater and Gordon Lawyers says. He is now deceased.
Slater and Gordon abuse lawyer Katherine Munt says that the law firm’s client alleges he was sexually abused for years, beginning when he was aged just nine-years-old.
“The Victorian man we are representing was just nine-years-old when he alleges the frequent sexual abuse began and resulted in devastating consequences for him throughout his life. He alleges the abuse would often occur while other boys slept in the same room,” Munt said. “These children were failed. Their health, welfare and safety were not protected by the state government or the Sisters of Mercy.”
Slater and Gordon has issued a public appeal for witnesses to step forward to assist with civil historical abuse claims. “We are asking anyone who witnessed the abuse to come forward to share information which would remain confidential and would assist with potential compensation claims being pursued by survivors,” Munt said.
“We believe there could be potential witnesses living in Victoria or interstate. If you were abused by Johnston, other carers, or are aware of the abuse of other children please do not hesitate to reach out. We hope that pursuing these abuse cases under civil law will provide survivors of abuse with the justice they have been waiting decades to receive.”
The Institute of Sisters of Mercy Australia was contacted for comment.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 8 February 2023
