Mr Millwood also threatened the plaintiff’s employer with defamation, hired private detectives to place police witnesses under surveillance, told social media followers the plaintiff was “delusional”, and falsely accused the plaintiff of having sexually transmitted diseases including “suspected HIV”.
The victim’s barrister, Matthew Collins, who was instructed by Craig Mackie, of Hobart firm Dobson Mitchell Allport, said it was an “astonishing” set of circumstances, labelling the defendant’s conduct “indefensible”.
“The defendant went out of his way to continue to harass [the abuse survivor] in the period after 1999 when he first confronted him with his misconduct, right through until the time of his incarceration.
Tasmanian Supreme Court Chief Justice Alan Blow said the abuse had made the victim’s life a “misery”.
“Whilst there is no suggestion that the sexual abuse involved penetration, it had devastating consequences for the plaintiff’s mental health,” he found.
“His adult life has been affected by his complex post-traumatic stress disorder and his depression in practically every possible way.”
In October, a record $2.7 million judgment was awarded to a former Geelong College student over the school’s handling of the sexual abuse he suffered more than 25 years ago.
Though there have been more significant settlements reached out of court, that decision of Victorian Supreme Court judge Stephen O’Meara is believed to be one of the highest judgments for institutional abuse in Australia to date.
Rightside Legal partner Michael Magazanik, who had litigated several child sexual abuse cases against institutions, said in recent years courts had been more willing to award significant damages to survivors.
“They have proper legal rights and their claims can be very, very large just like any sort of injury. For too long they were massively undervalued and plaintiffs were forced to accept charity,” he said.
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
Tasmanian sexual abuse survivor awarded record $5.3m in damages
Source: Philippines Alive
