Slater and Gordon plead with public for witnesses to come forward, as investigations into civil historical abuse case continue

A law firm is pleading with witnesses to any sexual assault at the Sisters of Mercy College in Mentone in the 1960s and 70s to come forward.

Slater and Gordon have urged any witnesses to child abuse in a Mentone Sisters of Mercy cottage between the 1960s and 1970s to come forward, as they follow up in allegations made against a former “cottage father” that is alleged to have occurred over several years, beginning when the victim was just nine years old. Image: generic.

A leading compensation and class action law firm has released a public plea seeking witnesses of sexual abuse to come forward to assist an ongoing civil historical abuse case.

Slater and Gordon has urged anyone with evidence or information on occurrences of sexual or physical abuse of children at the Sisters of Mercy Mentone between the 1960s and 1970s to contact them.

Abuse lawyer Katherine Munt said the firm had been investigating allegations of sexual and physical abuse of children under the care of the Sisters of Mercy and the state government at a cottage in Mentone.

Ms Munt revealed a man employed by the Sisters of Mercy as the alleged perpetrator.

The man is accused of allegedly committing “horrific sexual abuse over several years against at least one victim”.

“A Victorian man we are representing was just nine years old when he alleges the abuse began,” Ms Munt said.

“The alleged frequent sexual abuse he endured has resulted in devastating consequences for him through his life.”

The victim has alleged the abuse would often happen in the same room as other sleeping boys.

“These children were failed,” Ms Munt said.

“Their health, welfare and safety were not protected by the state government or the Sisters of Mercy.”

“We are asking anyone who witnessed any abuse to come forward and share information.

“It would remain confidential and would assist with potential compensation claims being pursued by survivors.”

Ms Munt said the firm believed there could be potential witnesses living in Victoria or interstate.

“If you were abused by a carer, or are aware of the abuse of other children, please don’t hesitate to reach out,” she said.

“We hope pursuing these abuse cases under civil law will provide survivors with the justice they have been waiting decades to receive.”

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