Canberra
- The Catholic Church in Australia, already investigating allegations of child
abuse by its most senior cleric, has been hammered with further claims of
brutality and sexual abuse. Former residents at a Brisbane
orphanage run by the Sisters of Nazareth have made public allegations including
rapes by priests and a nun using a flagstick, whippings with staple-studded
belts, and the forced eating of faeces.
Although not admitting liability, the Church reached out-of-court settlements with some of the 17 women who lodged claims against the Order in the Brisbane Supreme Court three years ago. The women were paid up to A$75,000 ($88,000), depending on the level of physical and sexual abuse, The Bulletin magazine said in a report of the allegations.
Although not admitting liability, the Church reached out-of-court settlements with some of the 17 women who lodged claims against the Order in the Brisbane Supreme Court three years ago. The women were paid up to A$75,000 ($88,000), depending on the level of physical and sexual abuse, The Bulletin magazine said in a report of the allegations.
