Former scout boy recounts ‘devastating’ abuse at hands of group leader, calls for witnesses

A scout abuse survivor has revealed the “devastating” impact of alleged sexual and psychological abuse by his leader, which has haunted him since the 1960s.

A former scout boy who suffered sexual and physical abuse at the hands of his group leader in the sixties, is appealing for witnesses. Picture: Scouts Australia

A former scout boy who suffered sexual and psychological abuse at the hands of his group leader in the late sixties, has revealed the “devastating” impact it’s had on his life as he appeals for witnesses.

The man, who didn’t wish to be identified, said his childhood love for adventure has been tarnished forever after his scout leader, Herman Out, allegedly abused him at camps and in his caravan between 1965 and 1970.

Socialising with other children his age was one element the man enjoyed when attending the 15th Essendon Sea Scouts group at the time.

“I liked the idea of boats and the ocean. It opened up a whole new world for me learning about the sea, about survival and the ships,” he said.

But this all changed when Out allegedly took advantage of him after developing a friendship with his family through the Scout movement, to the point where he was allowed to park his caravan outside the boy’s home.

“I eventually left the scouts. I remember being happy in the scouts once and what I was doing was such a good feeling,” he said.

“When the abuse happened, and to this day, I really don’t know what confidence is because I haven’t had it since. It changed everything.”

The man said he didn’t speak about the abuse for years as he was consumed by the “shame”.

Herman Out allegedly abused the boy at scout camps and in his caravan between 1965 and 1970. Picture: Supplied

But more than five decades on, the man has developed the confidence to share his story and is calling for anyone with information to come forward, not only for himself but for others who may have also been affected by Out’s alleged actions.

“There is strength in numbers. If we all spoke together they surely would have to sit down and start listening,” he said.

The man’s lawyer, Maurice Blackburn associate Ben McCarthy, said the impact on his client has been “far-reaching and devastating”.

“We know that for survivors of childhood abuse, it can take an average of 25 years to tell someone about what happened,” he said.

“It takes time to process it, and to build up the courage and resilience to speak out about it. This can mean many years of suffering in silence.”

Mr McCarthy encouraged anyone with information – whether that be records or memories – of Out’s involvement with the scouts to come forward, noting it could provide important context and background about what happened to his client.

“It might not be something you think is important or significant, but information like confirming what position Herman Out held in the scouts, what were his responsibilities, or providing copies of photos or newsletters from the time, can help us put the puzzle together,” he said.

“We know that Herman Out was abusing young children in the scouts throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria. Any piece of information about him could be critical for our client’s case.”

Out was convicted for similar offending against other young scouts at the Warrnambool County Court in 1971, according to Maurice Blackburn.

He died in 2011.

Scouts Victoria executive manager Jon McGregor said it was aware of allegations of historic abuse from the 1960s involving Herman Out.

“We have been in contact with the family involved and understand this man paid rent to live in a caravan at the rear of the family home. This man is now deceased and has not been a member of Scouts Victoria for over 50 years,” he said.

“Scouts Victoria is a childsafe organisation that has zero tolerance for abuse. We hold the perpetrators of abuse to account personally and financially for crimes committed against children. This matter is progressing through the legal system currently.”