Slater and Gordon Lawyers is calling for witnesses in relation to allegations of sexual and physical abuse of a child in 1996 and 1997 at Ripponlea Primary School in St Kilda East, Victoria.
The firm has started legal proceedings on behalf of a 37-year-old man who alleges he was physically and sexually abused by two former staff members, a male and a female, while he was a student at the school.
Slater and Gordon Legal Counsel, Abigail Davies, said the alleged abuse has left her client with severe psychological injuries, which he continues to live with to this day.
“Tragically, our client was just eight years old when the alleged abuse first occurred.
“The claim alleges that our client was isolated in an after-school care environment where a female staff member sexually abused him.
“Our client also alleges that, on a separate occasion, a male staff member physically abused him in an area where bikes were stored at the school,” Ms Davies said.
The alleged abuse has left our client with serious, ongoing psychological injuries and has impacted his academic performance and career prospects.
Ms Davies said cases like this often rely on others coming forward to help build a fuller picture of the alleged behaviour and the school environment at the time.
“Former students, parents, and staff may remember things they did not have words for back then. These may take the form of comments, patterns of behaviour, or concerns that now make more sense.
“Even if someone didn’t witness abuse directly, their recollection of how the school operated can help build a fuller picture of what was happening,” she said.
The proceedings allege the State of Victoria, through the Department of Education, breached its duty of care to our client in several areas, such as failing to supervise him properly and failing to have adequate complaint systems in place for instances of abuse.
Slater and Gordon is encouraging anyone with information about Ripponlea Primary School during 1996 and 1997 to contact the firm for a confidential and trauma-informed discussion.
