Peter Boyne

This film was extremely well done. No car chases, no love interests, just the simple facts. Over a twenty five year period I had a technical involvement in dozens of prosecutions of pedophiles and others who, while not strictly pedophiles, were uncaring of the age of their victims. The depiction of the state of mind of the victims, even after many years, is exactly as it is in reality. When we stood to leave the theatre, I realised a lady who had been seated behind us was a victim of the Anglican orphanage system in Lismore in the 40s and 50s. She and her brother were instrumental in pressing for the Royal Commission into the activities of the churches and others held here in Australia and subsequently gave evidence to this enquiry. I said “what did you think Sue?” In tears her reply was “exactly as it happens”. She is around 75 years old now and in poor health. Now, to be fair, the vast majority of offenders are not clergy or pseudo clergy. They come from all walks of life. However, what does not seem to occur, at least publicly, to the churches or Boy Scouts or other organisations with large child/adolescent involvement is that the offenders are not normal people gone bad but pedophiles going where the trade is. The ratio of offenders to overall staff seems to be somewhat higher than in the general public. Maybe this is because more are being exposed now compared to family secrets?? Still, as Spotlight illuminates, the real criminals, as distinct from sick or indiscriminate physical offenders, are the ones who protect and hide them. Move them to new locations, tell no one, discover they have done it again, counsel?? them, move them again etc etc. Deny the victims adequate compensation when they eventually build enough courage to come forward. Protect the organisation at any cost. Leaving a trail of shattered victims. Peter Boyne Port Macquarie November 2019