Brisbane Girls Grammar School was recently notified of a civil legal matter brought by a former student claiming sexual abuse by a former staff member employed in 1983 and 1984.
This matter does not relate to any current student or staff member.
As we know the community would expect, the School is taking this matter very seriously and we express our deepest regret and concern that a former student could have had such an experience while a student at our school.
We recognise this former student’s courage in telling her experiences and acknowledge how difficult this must have been. We fully support her coming forward as we would any other person in such circumstances.
While we understand that there will be an immediate desire for more detailed information, privacy and legal constraints prevent the School from sharing any additional information, including any particulars relating to the former staff member who is the subject of the claim.
The School’s priority is very much on supporting the former student who has raised this matter, and we are working with her legal representatives with that approach front of mind.
The School has informed its community, including those alumnae for whom we hold email addresses, of this matter to ensure they understand the pathways available should they wish to make a complaint, or access additional resources and support.
The School has undertaken all required actions since becoming aware of this matter, including reporting it to Queensland Police Service and relevant child protection agencies. We are also undertaking our own internal inquiries.
At this time, we have no information that other former students have been directly impacted. However, in the circumstances we do not want to make any assumption. That is why we decided it was important to advise our community of this matter to ensure that they are aware of the issue, and had information on the various pathways available to come forward with any similar complaint, including:
The School would support any person who raises a similar matter with the School, in the manner and timing of their own choosing.
Any alumnae who do not have their email address on file with the School can contact bggsprincipal@bggs.qld.edu.au to update their contact details.
We know our community, including alumnae, may be affected by this news and wish to speak to someone. Contact information for a range of support services that may be of assistance are listed below.
The sexual abuse of any child is abhorrent and Brisbane Girls Grammar School stands with all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. The protection of all students is our utmost priority and the School’s detailed Child Protection Policy and Child Risk Management Strategy, which can be read here outlines how we do this: https://www.bggs.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Child-Protection-Policy-and-Child-Risk-Management-Strategy_2023.pdf.
Support is available 24/7 via:
If urgent medical assistance is required, please call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
