40 years ago, I was abused at Ballarat Grammar. I know first-hand that cultural change is possible

A Journey of Confronting the Past and Seeking Justice

The journey of confronting the past, especially one marred by abuse and trauma, is never easy. For many survivors, the process of seeking justice and healing is filled with challenges, both emotional and systemic. This is the story of one such individual, Michael Short, who has bravely shared his experiences of abuse at the hands of two priests and two teachers, all of whom have since passed away. His story is a powerful reminder of the long-lasting effects of abuse and the importance of accountability and cultural change within institutions.

Michael’s journey took a significant turn when he attended his 40th school reunion. Standing in the chapel behind the altar, he found himself weighing the option of suing the school where the abuse occurred. This moment of reflection was not just about seeking compensation; it was about holding an institution accountable for its failure to protect its students. However, in a surprising twist, Michael recently settled a three-year Supreme Court case against Ballarat Grammar School through mediation. The case was centered on negligence, and it shed light on the deeply entrenched culture that has led to damaging headlines for the school in recent weeks.

The Role of Leadership in Driving Change

Institutions, especially schools, have a responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their students. When failures occur, it is the leadership that must step up to acknowledge the mistakes, take responsibility, and drive meaningful change. In Michael’s case, the headmaster of Ballarat Grammar School, Adam Heath, has emerged as a figure who genuinely understands the gravity of the situation. As a teacher, a father, and a human being, Heath seems to recognize that the status quo is no longer an option. His involvement in Michael’s mediation process, leading a legal and financial team, was a significant step toward acknowledging the school’s past failures.

Heath’s commitment to change was further evident when he met with Michael in Melbourne for an hour-long conversation. This meeting was not just about legalities; it was about understanding the profound impact of abuse on individuals and families. Heath’s willingness to engage with Michael’s story on a human level is a rare and commendable step in the context of institutional responses to abuse. It signals a potential shift in the school’s culture, one that could move away from the ingrained habits of silence and cover-up that have protected perpetrators for far too long.

The Ongoing Struggle for Justice and Accountability

Despite the progress made in Michael’s case, the journey toward justice and accountability is far from over. The recent allegations of abuse against the school have brought the issue back into the spotlight, with police investigations and internal reviews currently underway. While the school has stated its commitment to supporting affected students and families, one cannot help but question the rhetoric of change when the institution’s lawyers continue to contest allegations. The fact that the school’s legal team proposed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to a family as recently as March 2023 raises serious concerns about its commitment to transparency and justice.

The use of NDAs in cases of abuse is a concerning tactic that often silences victims and prevents the truth from coming to light. It is a practice that protects the institution’s reputation at the expense of the well-being of survivors. For Ballarat Grammar School to truly break away from its inglorious past, it must abandon such strategies and embrace a culture of openness and accountability. Anything less would be a failure of leadership and a betrayal of the trust placed in the institution by its students, parents, and the broader community.

The Urgent Need for Cultural Transformation

Cultural change within an institution is not an easy process, but it is a necessary one. For Ballarat Grammar School to move forward, the entire school community must rallied behind efforts to transform its culture. Parents, teachers, and alumni all have a role to play in demanding a safe and supportive environment for students. The school’s leadership, under Adam Heath, must be supported in its efforts to challenge the status quo and dismantle the toxic culture of conformity, cowardice, and bullying that has allowed abuse to thrive.

The consequences of failing to act are dire. Continued inaction or half-hearted measures will only perpetuate the harm and damage the lives of more students. The school has an opportunity to break free from its past and set a new standard for accountability and care. Seizing this moment is not just about avoiding further scandals; it is about taking responsibility for the harm that has already been done and creating a safer future for current and future students.

Restorative Justice and the Path to Healing

Restorative justice is a concept that goes beyond legal compensation or punishments. It is about acknowledging the harm that has been done, taking responsibility for it, and working toward healing for all parties involved. While it cannot undo the damage of abuse, restorative justice can provide a measure of closure and healing for survivors. For Michael, the mediation process was a step toward this kind of justice, offering a chance to tell his story and be heard by those in power.

However, restorative justice has its limits. The scars of abuse are permanent, and no amount of compensation or acknowledgment can erase the pain and trauma experienced by survivors. What it can do is help mitigate the damage and provide a foundation for healing. For this to happen, institutions must be willing to confront their past, take full responsibility, and commit to change. Anything less risks perpetuating the cycle of abuse and silencing victims once again.

Conclusion: The Power of Support and Advocacy

The journey of seeking justice and healing is not one that anyone should undertake alone. For survivors of abuse, having access to support is crucial. Organizations like Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) provide vital resources and assistance for those grappling with the emotional and psychological impact of trauma. These services are a reminder that help is available and that no one has to face their struggles in isolation.

Michael’s story is also a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of speaking out. By sharing his experiences, he is not only seeking justice for himself but also shedding light on the systemic issues that allow abuse to occur. His podcast, Good People Fix Bad Shit, which is set to launch later this year, will undoubtedly continue this important work, offering a platform for stories of resilience, change, and hope.

In the end, the fight for justice and accountability is ongoing. It requires the courage of survivors like Michael, the commitment of leaders like Adam Heath, and the collective action of entire communities. Only together can we create a world where institutions are held to the highest standards of accountability and where the safety and well-being of all individuals are prioritized.