the abusive priest that no-one will grieve

The Devastating Trail of Abuse by Gerald Ridsdale

A Legacy of Abuse andChurch Inaction
Gerald Ridsdale, ordained as a Catholic priest in 1961, began abusing children almost immediately after his appointment. His first assignment was in Mildura, where he preyed on vulnerable children. When the bishop was informed of his actions, instead of reporting him to the authorities, Ridsdale was sent to counseling—a pattern that would repeat itself for decades. Despite the clear evidence of his crimes, he was not handed over to the police. This lack of accountability allowed him to continue his predatory behavior, moving from parish to parish, including Swan Hill, St. Alipius, Apollo Bay, and Inglewood, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.

A Grim Map of Destruction
The sheer scale of Ridsdale’s abuse is staggering. His victims were spread across the western districts of Victoria, a region that stretches to the South Australian border and along the Great Ocean Road. By the time he arrived in Mortlake in 1981, he admitted in his own words that he was "absolutely out of control." The principal of the local school, a nun, estimated that he abused every single boy in one class. The impact on these children was profound and long-lasting, with many victims turning to suicide, alcohol, or drugs as a way to cope with their trauma. The royal commission later revealed that in one class photo from a school where Ridsdale was based, 13 of the boys had died, their lives forever altered by the abuse they endured.

A Modus Operandi of Violence and Manipulation
Ridsdale’s methods of abuse varied, but they were always manipulative and violent. In some cases, he employed classic grooming techniques, building trust with his victims before exploiting them with secrets and lies. In other instances, his abuse was brutal and immediate. One victim described being hit across the face and slapped hard on the ear before being sexually assaulted. Ridsdale targeted both boys and girls, and his actions were often violent, especially when he faced resistance. Despite the growing number of accusations against him, the church hierarchy consistently chose to move him to a new parish rather than confront the issue. Even when the police began investigating him, Ridsdale fled in the middle of the night, only to be appointed to another parish by the bishop. This blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of children was a recurring theme in the church’s handling of Ridsdale’s case.

The Community’s Failed Attempts to Stop the Abuse
Contrary to what one might expect, there were individuals within the community who did attempt to blow the whistle on Ridsdale’s activities. Fathers, mothers, and teachers expressed their concerns to the church hierarchy, but their warnings were repeatedly ignored. One particularly horrifying case involved a young boy named Paul Levey, whose parents allowed him to live with Ridsdale at the presbytery in Mortlake. Despite multiple concerns raised by community members, including Levey’s own mother, the church took no action to protect him. The abuse had a devastating impact on Levey, and the lack of response from the church hierarchy is a stark illustration of their failure to prioritize the safety of children. In some cases, it is alleged that even the Pope was informed of Ridsdale’s actions, and yet, no meaningful action was taken to stop him.

The Church’s Culture of Cover-Up
The Catholic Church’s response to Ridsdale’s abuse is a chilling example of institutional failure. Rather than addressing the issue head-on, the church consistently chose to protect itself and its reputation. This culture of cover-up extended beyond Ridsdale’s case, as evidenced by the widespread abuse perpetrated by other priests and brothers within the same diocese. The church’s argument that "times were different then" and that there was a lack of understanding about child abuse rings hollow, given that these actions were undeniably criminal and morally reprehensible. The church’s failure to act not only allowed Ridsdale to continue abusing children but also sent a clear message that the rights and safety of victims were secondary to the institution’s interests.

A Call for Accountability and Remembrance
Louise Milligan, a journalist who has extensively covered Ridsdale’s case, emphasizes the importance of holding the church accountable for its role in enabling his abuse. While the church has expressed remorse for the harm caused, its actions tell a different story. The church continues to fight compensation claims from survivors, employing legal technicalities to avoid liability. Milligan argues that Ridsdale was not a monster but a very sick man, enabled by a system that chose to protect him rather than his victims. As a society, it is crucial that we do not forget the devastating impact of Ridsdale’s actions and the church’s complicity in his crimes. The lessons learned from this dark chapter must never be allowed to fade from public memory, ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.