***Content warning: This episode discusses institutional and child abuse. If this may be triggering for you, consider skipping this episode or listening at a different time. For support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (more contact numbers below)***

They’re meant to be places that have your best interests at heart, but some religious and government institutions have instead become spaces where abuse and neglect have occurred. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse exposed the scale of historic abuse in institutions in Australia.

In this episode of Law Matters, Catherine Henry speaks with Bob O’Toole, Co-founder and Chair of the Clergy Abused Network (CAN) Hunter-Newcastle-Manning, about how his organisation supports those seeking justice and redress.

In this episode, Catherine and Bob talk about:

• How CAN supports survivors
• Seeking justice through the National Redress Scheme, civil claims and mediation
• General advice for people thinking about seeking redress.

Disclaimer

While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation.

For support, please reach out to the following services:

Lifeline - Free 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support for all Australians - Call 13 11 14

Clergy Abused Network - a network of trauma-informed and sensitive volunteers who share the experience of being impacted by abuse by clergy or abuse by lay workers in religious contexts.

National Redress Scheme - is for people who experienced child sexual abuse while in an institution. The Scheme helps people access redress and can connect them to free confidential Redress Support Services.

For more information, please visit:

Our free online resource FAQs: Institutional Abuse available on our website.

If you or someone you know needs advice regarding redress for institutional abuse, you can learn more by contacting the team at Catherine Henry Lawyers on 1800 874 949.

***Content warning: This episode discusses suicide and suicide prevention. If this may be triggering for you, consider skipping this episode or listening at a different time. For support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (more contact numbers below)***

Death by suicide is hard to think about, let alone talk about. But this is what mental health advocate Craig Hamilton is asking us to do.

He wants everyone to make ‘the promise’ that if you’re struggling with your mental health, you will tell someone.

In this episode of Law Matters, Catherine Henry speaks to Craig about his recent documentary, The Promise, and the manic episode that began Craig’s mission to talk openly about mental health and work tirelessly to reduce stigma.

In this episode, Catherine and Craig talk about:

• How attitudes to mental health have changed over the past 20 years
• Why, despite all the advancements, we still need to do better when it comes to providing care for people with mental illness
• Why people in regional and rural Australia face even greater disadvantages

Disclaimer

While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation.

Mental Health Services

Lifeline - Free 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support for all Australians. Call 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service - Free 24/7 counselling support if you are at risk of or affected by suicide. Call 1300 659 467

Kids Helpline - Free 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Call 1800 55 1800

13 YARN - Free 24/7 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander-run crisis support line. Call 13 92 76

If you or someone you know need advice regarding the care received during a mental health crisis, you can learn more about mental health and the law here, or contact the team at Catherine Henry Lawyers on 1800 874 949.

One in three women experience birth trauma. So, what's being done about it?

In May 2024, the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Birth Trauma released its report, which included five findings and 43 recommendations.

In this episode of Law Matters, Catherine Henry talks to the Chair of the Inquiry, MP for the NSW Animal Justice Party, Emma Hurst.

Together, they discuss:

• Why continuity of midwifery care is so vital to good birthing outcomes
• The experience of women who have sought legal advice following a traumatic birth
• The recommendations that were voted down by the inquiry committee that Emma felt so strongly about, she wrote a dissenting statement.

Disclaimer

While this podcast is aimed to be informative, it is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. You should see a solicitor for complete advice that relates directly to your situation.

For more information:

• Access our free information resource
• Download our free eBook, Women and the Law
• Listen to the full episode of Law Matters with CEO of the Australasian Birth Trauma Association, Amy Dawes here.
• Find the full report on the NSW Select Committee Birth Trauma Inquiry here.

If you have a legal issue and live in regional NSW you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.