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Three years ago, to the day, a group of survivors left for The Vatican, to meet with the cardinal and hear his testimony for the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. Cardinal George Pell said at the time, in an interview with The Courier, he was prepared to do whatever he could to help, including setting up a healing centre in Ballarat to help survivors and those affected by childhood sexual assault. READ MORE: Loud Fence is an organisation that has sought to shed more light on abuse, and for founder Maureen Hatcher, the result of the case shows there is an opportunity for the Catholic Church to prove it has learned something, and fulfill the promises. Its another opportunity for church leaders to stand up and to show us that theyre serious about helping survivors of clerical abuse, she said. We hoped that those promises that were made would come true - three years on, were still waiting. There was talk of a healing centre in Ballarat, and I would hope this would all still happen. Others are less optimistic. Andrew Collins, a survivor of clergy sexual abuse from Ballarat, said very little had happened in Ballarat since the meeting regarding a healing centre. Someone needs to put their hand up, they need to genuinely mean what they say, he said. Weve had nothing, nothing has happened, nothings come from The Vatican to honour those requests. Another survivor, Steven Woods, said he understood the fight very well - he added the Catholic Church needed to take immediate and decisive action regardless of the result of the appeal. I believe now that every commitment Pell made in Rome is in the gutter, its gone - there was nothing much after we came back anyway, he said. (Cardinal Pells) continuing in the Catholic Church is untenable, they have to get rid of him. There was a guy who was very angry outside the court today, and he said exactly what I felt, the anger Ive felt all my life, that Catholics should be up in arms about this - go to the bishops and hammer on their doors and say, we need to absolutely change. I feel for the Ballarat guys who didnt get their day in court, to me thats very saddening. Ballarat councillor Belinda Coates accompanied the group of survivors to Rome in 2016. Justice isnt quick, by any means, and I hope this is another step towards what really needs to happen in the big picture, she said. Its an ongoing journey of healing for many still, and we know sadly there are many people impacted who are no longer with us, we know theres been an enormous ripple effect across Ballarat for the long term wellbeing of each person directly affected, their families, friends, workplaces, and community organisations. Mr Collins said there was still a chance for Pell to redeem himself somewhat. Ive also got hope that he may be a half-decent person and blow the lid off this whole scandal, he said. Put his own interests aside and think of the survivors and the community - he could literally change the world. If they send a strong message out on child sexual abuse, itll help people around the world. Hes in a position, with this guilty verdict, to actually do something. Mr Woods added it was hard enough going public with abuse allegations, let alone facing court and being grilled by lawyers. Its really painful to see this and I really feel for the guys involved their courage is just incredible I really hope victims find a bit of solace in this exposure today, and seek out help and support - we are not alone. Cardinal Pell has consistently maintained his innocence, and has lodged an appeal against his conviction. The Centre Against Sexual Assault Ballarat has urged people affected by the news of Cardinal Pell's conviction, or the revelations of child sexual abuse, to seek help if needed. "We encourage anyone who has been affected by sexual assault to seek support," a spokesperson said, "At Ballarat CASA we listen, provide support and advocacy in addition to acknowledging your experiences and the impact it may have had on your life." People can arrange a one-off session, or they can look to have ongoing counselling. The centre also offers advocacy and case management. Phone CASA, Sebastopol on 5320 3933, email casa@bhs.org.au, or free-call the crisis care line 24 hours on 1800 806 292. Phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277. The Blue Knot Foundation, which helps survivors of childhood trauma, has a helpline available from 9am to 5pm on 1300 657 380, or email helpline@blueknot.org.au Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.

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