Previously unheard from survivors detail horrific abuse at Christian Brothers

Survivors of historical sexual abuse by members of the Christian Brothers religious order have spoken publicly for the first time about the trauma they endured, revealing graphic details of the abuse they suffered during their childhoods at schools operated by the group. James Peat and Chris Thorpe, two men who allege they were sexually assaulted as minors, described how their lives have been irrevocably altered by the experience, and how recent developments, namely the financial collapse of the Christian Brothers, have reignited their anguish. Peat claims he was sexually abused between 1989 and 1991 at St Michael’s Regional High School in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. He detailed how the abuse took place under the watchful eye of gymnastics teacher Chris Frost, who allegedly touched him while he stretched and later watched him shower. “You knew it was seductively touching,” Peat said, describing the inappropriate nature of the situation. “Getting watched having showers was inappropriate.” Frost was recently sentenced to three years in prison for historic sexual abuse of students, though Peat said the legal process did little to ease the emotional scars left behind. Thorpe, who previously settled with the Christian Brothers but has yet to receive payment, expressed deep skepticism about the organization’s commitment to justice. “Doesn’t sound Christian to me,” he remarked, referring to the financial arrangements made by the order. Both men sought compensation for the abuse they endured, but their efforts were disrupted earlier this month when the Christian Brothers declared itself insolvent, putting their claims, and those of other victims, on hold. The financial troubles of the Christian Brothers came amid a major restructuring of its assets. Over 30 schools, valued at approximately $2 billion, were transferred to Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), an entity linked to the Catholic Church. Many of these institutions were handed over for minimal sums, including St Kevin’s College in Melbourne, worth $46 million, and Christian Brothers College in Adelaide, valued at $20 million. The move raised questions about the motives behind the transfer and whether the Christian Brothers prioritized financial interests over the well-being of abuse survivors. In response to growing pressure, EREA announced it would assume responsibility for the Christian Brothers’ outstanding obligations to abuse victims. In a statement, EREA said it was “committed to supporting those who have suffered abuse” and pledged to address potential future funding shortfalls. However, Peat criticized the delay, saying the damage had already been done. “It's a good outcome but they were strong-armed into it. Why not do the right thing in the first place?” he asked. Thorpe remained cautious, noting that while EREA claimed to be taking action, he was waiting to see if promises translated into tangible results. “What do they say? The cheque's in the mail. So we’ll wait and see,” he said. His words reflected the lingering distrust among survivors who have long felt abandoned by the institution responsible for their suffering. Peat described the emotional toll of revisiting his past after decades of suppression. “What I’m feeling now has been 30 years inside bottled up,” he said, recalling how the abuse led to destructive behavior, including addiction to painkillers, alcohol, and speed. His struggles culminated in a violent incident at a local police station, where he was subdued with mace and a taser before being hospitalized. Only recently, following a phone call from a friend, did he begin to confront the reality of his experiences. The revelations from Peat and Thorpe highlight the ongoing struggle faced by abuse survivors seeking accountability and redress. With an estimated $774 million owed to victims, the financial collapse of the Christian Brothers has placed additional strain on the system designed to support those harmed by the order’s actions. As EREA steps in to manage the liabilities, the question remains whether this marks a genuine shift toward justice or merely a temporary reprieve for an institution long accused of failing its victims.