“Don’t Tell” is a powerful movie about childhood sexual abuse. The film features numerous members of the Brisbane legal fraternity and as a lawyer I enjoyed it very much. However, this is a movie for all, not just lawyers. The story is based on the real life legal battle a 22 year old woman fought against the Anglican Archdiocese in 2001. She had been the victim of sexual abuse as an 11 year old at a prestigious Toowoomba school run by the Church. Her house master was the perpetrator of the assault and eventually the Church admitted the assault had occurred but denied the school knew it was happening. The claimant was ultimately successful and was awarded damages and exemplary damages.
This is an engaging court room drama however, most significantly the courage of the real victim lead to more victims of child sexual abuse having the courage to come forward and tell their stories. The case ultimately lead to a Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. It also brought about the resignation of the Governor General of the day, who had been the Archbishop of Brisbane at the time the allegations were initially made. He was the subject of much criticism as to how he had dealt with the allegations against the perpetrator of the assault. The case also lead to the introduction of the Blue Card childcare system.
There is still much to be done in relation to protecting children, but the film depicting the courage of the claimant, continues to keep the spotlight on this important issue involving our children.
