Slater and Gordon Lawyers is seeking to speak with former students at Botany Public School who may have information about alleged abuse involving a staff member in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The law firm has commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court of New South Wales on behalf of a male client who alleges he was sexually and physically abused at the school in 1988 and 1989.
He alleges the abuse occurred on multiple occasions and took place while in a private setting within the school.
Slater and Gordon is particularly interested in speaking with any former students who may have had similar experiences, raised concerns, or witnessed inappropriate or abusive conduct at the school in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Slater and Gordon Senior Associate Emily Clarke said the firm is seeking anyone with information about the school during that period to come forward.
“We’re urging former students, staff or anyone connected to Botany Public School in the late 1980s and early 1990s to contact us if they have any information that could be helpful,” Ms Clarke said.
“Our client was a child at the time and was entitled to feel safe in the school environment.
“The allegations involve serious breaches of trust and authority within the school grounds.”
Ms Clarke said cases like this often rely on others coming forward with information that can assist in understanding what occurred.
“It’s not uncommon for people to only feel able to speak about their experiences many years later,” she added.
“We know that coming forward can be difficult, but it can be an important step in seeking accountability.”
The proceedings allege the State of New South Wales, through the Department of Education, failed in its duty to protect students from foreseeable risk of harm.
Slater and Gordon is encouraging anyone with information to contact the firm for a confidential and trauma-informed discussion.
