The Marist Healing and Support Service provides a considerate response to people who have been affected by childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by personnel of the Marist Brothers.

This involves working with those who have been abused to assist them in identifying their specific needs and creating positive change and healing in their lives. This can also involve, if appropriate, working with their partners, parents, siblings and children.

This supportive response may include:

• meeting with the person and arranging appropriate counselling or other therapeutic help
• supporting the person and their family through periods of distress
• supporting the person to discern what would be a useful and healing response from the Marists, which could include an apology, meeting with a senior Marist brother, information, or financial assistance
• supporting the person to make a statement about the abuse to the Police (or other statutory authorities)
• supporting the person and their family through the criminal process
• advocating on behalf of the person or groups of people who have been adversely affected
• building support networks and liaising with external networks on the person’s behalf
• providing regular follow-up contact and telephone support.

Marist Healing and Support Service co-ordinators are available in Sydney and Newcastle.

Sydney:
Ann O’Brien
P:    02 8752 8207 or  02  9218 4000
M:   0429 655 840
E:    ann.obrien@marists.org.au

Newcastle:
Liz Studdert
P:    02 4923 0644
M:   0408 515 149
E:    liz.studdert@marists.org.au

For more information about the Marist Healing and Support service:
www.maristbrothers.org.au/reporting-and-healing-support-service

Marist Brothers Memorial
On the evening of March 27, 2019, a memorial was dedicated on the grounds of St Francis Xavier College. About 200 people attended.

The memorial was built “In Remembrance of all students, both living and deceased, who were victims of sexual abuse at this school, which was Marist Brothers’ High School Hamilton”.

The memorial was conceptualised and developed in a collaborative, consultative process between CAN (the Clergy Abused Network), Marist Brothers Province of Australia and the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

For more information about the dedication of the Marist Bros. Memorial:
www.mnnews.today/your-diocese/2019/40212-memorial-gives-voice-to-the-silent