Appeal for witnesses in alleged church sex abuse case

By Monique Preston

Oct 25, 2023

Witnesses sought: A Melbourne law firm is appealing for witnesses to alleged historic sexual abuse at a Shepparton church. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

A law firm has launched an appeal for witnesses to alleged historic sexual abuse at a Shepparton church.

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The call for witnesses forms part of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers’ abuse law team’s investigation into a case for a client allegedly abused by someone within the Shepparton arm of the Revival Centres Church.

Principal lawyer John Rule said Maurice Blackburn Lawyers was looking for anyone who attended the church between 1989 and 2012.

Mr Rule said he was looking for anyone who may have also been affected by abuse themselves or who may have seen something.

He is also looking for anyone just involved in the church during that time.

“In these sort of investigations, we often find people have highly relevant information, and others help fill in information,” Mr Rule said.

“If anyone thinks they know anything, please err on the side of reaching out to us.”

Mr Rule said while the law firm had one client who was a young girl when the alleged abuse occurred, he believed others may be the survivors of abuse.

This court case will be a civil claim by one person for damages against the Shepparton branch of the Revival Centres Church.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers can be contacted on 9605 2863 or email abuselawinfo@mauriceblackburn.com.au