OUR PURPOSE
Xavier College is proud to introduce the Past Harms, Safer Future Committee that was founded by Principal Bill Doherty inviting IGFF staff to facilitate meetings with diverse Committee members. The founding Committee has reached consensus on a range of projects and initiatives in 2023 and beyond.
The work of the Committee is based on the acknowledgment that that not everyone who has passed through the gates of Xavier College benefited from a Xavier education. In some historical cases, students suffered great harms, including sexual and physical abuse, from the very people entrusted with their care.
The purpose of the Committee is to recognise these past harms; to create opportunities for the community to understand and come to terms with what happened; and to help safeguard the future of care for our students by ensuring that these significant harms are never repeated.
The Committee has a number of important initiatives in the works which will invite participation from the wider College community. Check back on this page regularly for upcoming events.
OUR WORK
The work of the Committee builds on the preliminary steps taken by Survivors of abuses at the College, assisted by the Class of 2015 and In Good Faith Foundation (IGFF). Two plaques – on a memorial rock under the weeping mulberry tree and one in the Chapel – were installed with commemorations to acknowledge that abuse happened at the College.
The Past Harms, Safer Futures Committee meets regularly to discuss ways in which Survivors of abuse can be better recognised, understood and supported by the College community and identify positive steps to implement for the benefit of future generations of College students.
Since August 2023, this effort includes members of the College Executive participating in IGFF-delivered Trauma Care Training. Comprising an introduction to understanding and responding to trauma, including institutional abuses, and drawing on research, practice and peer perspectives about Victim-Survivor experiences, the training offered information about improving communication approaches with Survivors and creating environments that are kinder to people who have experienced trauma, whether they may be students, staff or alumni. This training will continue for other participants, some being members of a staff working party who are investigating potential initiatives in trauma awareness and training for students.
In December 2023, Principal Bill Doherty hosted a morning tea with College staff to introduce the members of the Past Harms, Safer Futures Committee and begin a dialogue about the work being done.
The Committee is planning a number of meaningful initiatives and events in the future.
OUR MEMBERS
The Committee is made up of Xavier College staff, including Principal Bill Doherty, members of our alumni (including representation from the Old Xaverians Association), advocates for Survivors, and staff from In Good Faith Foundation (IGFF).
IGFF is an independent support service and national charity advocating for Survivors of childhood institutional abuse, to increase access to therapeutic options and justice pathways, including legal advice and redress, restorative efforts, community collaboration, memorials, and education to prevent child sexual abuse and other harms impacting human development, potential and wellbeing.
OUR CONTACTS
If you wish to contact Xavier College's Past Harms, Safer Futures Committee, please email: igff@igff.org.au or call on 1300 124 433
If any of this information has raised concerns for you, we encourage you to contact any of the following resources who may be able to assist further.
Lifeline Crisis Support
13 11 14 / www.lifeline.org.au
A confidential telephone crisis support service for anyone needing crisis support. 24/7.
In Good Faith Foundation
1300 124 433 / www.igff.org.au
Beyond Blue Support Service
1300 224 636 / www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support
Provides immediate advice and support on depression and anxiety. 24/7.
MensLine
1300 787 978 / www.mensline.org.au
A counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns. 24/7.
BlueKnot Helpline
1300 657 380 / www.blueknot.org.au
Counselling support for childhood trauma.
If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, call 000 for mental and physical health help.
