George Pell assault victim describes shame, depression

The man assaulted by George Pell at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne has described the shame and anguish he suffers.

George Pell leaves the County Court in Melbourne. Picture: AAP.

The man assaulted by George Pell in 1996 and 1997 at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne has described the shame and anguish he has suffered for years.

Pell was found guilty in December of abusing two choirboys, one of whom has since died.

A lawyer for the surviving victim of Cardinal Pell’s abuse has read a statement from her client responding to the guilty verdict.#AusNews #CardinalPell pic.twitter.com/27g3l6iav8

— 7News Yahoo7 (@Y7News) February 26, 2019

In a statement read by his lawyer, the surviving man, who asks not to be identified, said: “Like many survivors I have experienced shame, loneliness, depression and struggle. Like many survivors it has taken me years to understand the impact on my life.

“At some point we realise that we trusted someone we should have feared and we fear those genuine relationships that we should trust.

“I would like to thank my family near and far for their support of me, and of each other.

“I am a witness in a case brought by the State of Victoria. I have put my trust in the police and the criminal justice system.

“The process has been stressful and it is not over yet.

“I need space and time to cope with the ongoing criminal process.

“I understand this is a big news story but please don’t reveal my identity.

“I ask that the media respect my privacy. I don’t want to give any interviews. Please don’t come to my home. I want to protect my young family and my parents. I don’t want them swept into the spotlight.

“I am not a spokesperson about child sexual abuse. There are many other survivors and advocates who bravely fill this role.

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

“Thank you for your support and understanding’.