Susie O’Brien: The church has learnt nothing

Andrew Bolt argues Pell “was found guilty not on the facts but on prejudice”. But as Susie O’Brien writes, the reality of clerical sexual abuse is that it has long defied all reason and rationality.

No longer can the rich and powerful escape the long arm of the law.

No longer can wealthy institutions like the church fob off victims of clerical sexual abuse, pay them paltry sums to keep quiet and suppress their rights through years of punishing court action.

No longer do we suspect the motivations of the victims as a starting point.

The public should have had a right to know what was happening from the moment Pell was charged.

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The suppression order that protected him from public view until Tuesday was like a stake through the heart of his victims. It protected him, not them. It was lifted once it was found that there was not enough evidence to proceed with a second trial covering claims from the 1970s.

Cardinal George Pell making his way into court today. Picture: Con Chronis/AFP

In making sense of this momentous occasion, a few things need to be remembered.

The fact that not all charges were upheld against Pell is not evidence that all charges against him were bogus.

The fact that the second victim from the 1990s denied the abuse doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Victims can take many years to come forward, and some are never able to do so.

There doesn’t have to be a history of abuse for abuse to have taken place.

The lack of witnesses is also not notable. Abuse can take place without the knowledge of other people present at the time.

Andrew Bolt argues that, on the face of it, the alleged events were most unlikely to have occurred in a busy cathedral after mass. He argues that Pell was 55 at the time of the attack and would not have had the time or opportunity to conduct these acts.

The reality is that instances of clerical sexual abuse have, time and again, defied all understanding, reason and rationality. Men who enjoy a trusted position in their communities are not immune from evil deeds; many hundreds risk their careers and reputation over and over.

A man yells abuse at Cardinal George Pell as he enters County Court in Melbourne. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

Bolt argues Pell “was found guilty not on the facts but on prejudice”.

I strongly disagree.

His comments will upset, but not surprise, child sex abuse victims.

They’re used to being called liars.

They are used to being punished for speaking up.

They are used to being drawn into conspiracy theories questioning their motivations. But the victim in this case wasn’t out to make a point for others.

“I am not a spokesperson about child sexual abuse. There are many other survivors and advocates who bravely fill this role,” he said in a statement.

“I am just a regular guy working to support and protect my family as best I can.”

The fact that Pell is now appealing the decision shows the church has learnt nothing. He has shown no remorse.

Unlike some of the protesters outside the court yesterday, I don’t see this as a joyous occasion. There has been too much hurt and too much abuse for joy to come into it.

Nothing good can come from taunting or abusing Pell. He will get his own punishment tonight when he enters a jail after he withdrew his bail application. He’s unlikely to leave jail alive. His victims will live the rest of their lives in their own personal hell.