Catholic Diocese of Sale

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in its Final Report released in 2017 on Religious Institutions revealed that the Catholic Diocese of Sale was the Diocese with the highest overall proportion of priest members who were alleged perpetrators (15.1 per cent) in Australia. The diocese covers Victoria’s south-east. The period looked at was between 1950 to 2010 and it was double the national average (7 per cent). Furthermore, the abuse was most prevalent during the 1960s and 70s.

In short, twenty claims of child sexual abuse by 12 priests were recorded in the Diocese of Sale during 1950 to 2010. One of the worst serial abusers in the Diocese was Father Daniel Hourigan who was ordained in the Diocese of Sale in 1976 and worked in various capacities throughout the Diocese until 1994. The Royal Commission’s Report showed that ten people had made claims in relation to allegations of child sexual abuse by Father Hourigan between 1968 and 1989. This included two people who made claims that they were abused between 1986 and 1989. It is reported that the Diocese of Sale knew of the propensity for Father Hourrigan to reoffend but continued to protect and retain his services.

Moody Law (formerly Artemis Legal) has in the past represented and is still representing clients who were victims of child sexual abuse within the Diocese of Sale. We invite former victims to contact us to tell us confidentially what information they may have, and we will explain what options are available to help with these cases.

Call us or complete the confidential enquiry form below.