Former Surf Coast mayor Brian McKiterick launches institutional abuse legal action A former Surf Coast mayor is calling on institutional abuse survivors to seek support, as he launches legal action against two Catholic orders alleging he was groomed and abused by teachers at separate schools. A writ filed in the Supreme Court by Arnold Thomas & Becker for Brian McKiterick, who is also a local policeman and former state political candidate, allege he was groomed and abused while a student in the 70s at both Parade College in Melbourne and St Vincent’s College in Bendigo. Arnold Thomas and Becker lawyer Cameron Doig said it took “incredible courage” for Mr McKiterick to “break the powerful stigma and taboo surrounding child abuse”. “After a lifetime of broken relationships, depression and anxiety, Brian is standing up,” Mr Doig said. “By claiming compensation, he is demanding that the Vincentians make him whole for Wilson’s abuse.” “Brian is bravely speaking out to encourage others to do the same, and not suffer silently. Read more about this media story. Contact us As a leading Australian Abuse firm, we have helped hundreds of brave abuse survivors obtain compensation for physical, psychological and sexual abuse in institutional settings. Money can’t take the pain away, however, it can help achieve clarity and closure. We have extensive experience in obtaining ground-breaking multi-million dollar payments for our clients. Visit our Institutional Abuse page for more information or call us on 03 9034 8433.