Law Matters with Catherine Henry Lawyers

***Content warning: This episode discusses institutional and child abuse. If you find this distressing, consider skipping the episode or listening at another time. For support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Additional support contacts are listed below.*** It’s been over seven years since the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse handed down its final report. Victim-survivors say they had hoped organisations would have “lent into their mistakes” by now. In this episode of Law Matters, Institutional Abuse Practice Lead Associate Nathan Buyers speaks with journalist and social philospher Anne Manne about her 2024 book, Crimes of the Cross: The Anglican Paedophile Network of Newcastle, Its Protectors and the Man Who Fought for Justice, which lays bare the decades-long cover-up of child sexual abuse within the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. Nathan and Anne discuss: Why Anne felt compelled to write this book, despite its difficult subject matter. How the legal system has affected survivors. Why Anne believes the church has been obstructionist. 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 – 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 Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service – available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence - 1800RESPECT, 1800 737 732. Blue Knot Helpline – provides information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma, Monday - Sunday between 9 am - 5 pm AEST/AEDT – 1300 657 380. For more information, please visit: Our free online resource FAQs: Institutional Abuse If you or someone you know needs guidance navigating an institutional abuse claim or would like more information, we’re here to help. Call us on 1800 874 949.

There's no doubt that the women's rights movement has made significant advancements in gender equality over the last 100 years, but there is still a long way to go. In this episode of Law Matters, Catherine speaks with Sonia Hornery MP, State Member for Wallsend, about the critical issues affecting women both locally and across NSW. They explore the ongoing struggles for gender equality, particularly in reproductive health, homelessness, and women's leadership. In this episode, Catherine and Sonia discuss: The need for continued advocacy for women's rights and equality. The disproportionate impact of homelessness on women, often due to escaping violent relationships. The ongoing challenges of accessing abortion services, especially in regional NSW. Listen now to hear about the powerful roles that women, like Sonia, are playing in advocating for change in politics, and the ongoing fight for gender equality in Australia. 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, please visit: Our free resources on reproductive law. If you’re looking for legal help in the areas of reproductive and fertility law, you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.  

When you place a loved one in aged care, you want to be assured that they are getting the best care possible.  For many reasons—lots of them valid—the aged care sector in Australia has come under scrutiny in recent years. In this episode of Law Matters, we delve into why problems exist in aged care and what solutions might work. Catherine Henry hosts this episode and speaks to CEO of Maroba Caring Communities, Viv Allanson OAM. In this episode, Catherine and Viv discuss: How devastating the Royal Commission into Aged Care was for the sector Why some aged care facilities are broken How education and conversations can pave a positive way forward 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, please visit: Learn more about Aged Care Negligence and Elder Law, or download our free eBook, Growing Older. If you’re concerned about a loved one’s treatment in aged care, you can find out more at Catherine Henry Lawyers, or call the team on 1800 874 949.  

***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 (C.A.N.) Hunter-Newcastle-Manning, about how his organisation supports those seeking justice and redress. In this episode, Catherine and Bob talk about: How C.A.N. 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. 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 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 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.