Former Marist Brothers student sues over alleged historic sexual abuse A former Marist Brothers College student is suing the religious institution over claims he was raped as a child in Bendigo. Our 81-year-old client alleges he suffered traumatic abuse at the hands of two Marist Brothers when he was a student at the former McCrae Street institution between 1955 and 1956. Represented by Melbourne law firm Arnold Thomas & Becker and lawyer Kelly Schober, the man is suing the Trustees of the Marist Brothers in the Supreme Court for compensation for what he alleges are “life-altering, significant and debilitating psychiatric injuries”. Our client said he was speaking up now as he knew he didn’t have long left in his life. He said he was raised in a strict Catholic family and felt intimidated by the church. Ms Schober said the law firm was seeking more people who may have allegedly been abused to come forward. “It’s common for survivors to come forward unveiling abuse many years later, often after finding the courage to speak about their trauma, and this can prompt others to do the same once they hear similar experiences shared,” she said. “Our client is accordingly seeking maximum compensation for his pain and suffering as well as loss of enjoyment of life, loss of earnings and superannuation as well as medical expenses for his significant abuse-related psychiatric injuries.” Proceedings began in the Supreme Court of Victoria on March 25, and the court has since listed the matter for trial from June 30, 2025. Read the full story at the Bendigo Advertiser. Contact us Arnold Thomas & Becker urges any witnesses or those with information to come forward. We understand that trauma from sexual abuse is not solved by any dollar amount. However, we will fight for the compensation you deserve to support you in your healing. For a confidential discussion with a lawyer, call us today on 1300 333 300 or email us at [email protected] For more information, visit our Institutional Abuse page. To see how we have helped other survivors move forward and find closure, visit our Client Outcomes page.