Justice for the Forgotten: Helping Abuse Survivors Reclaim Their Lives
The recent exposure of widespread abuse at the Mount Penang Training School for Boys has reignited public attention on institutional failures and the long-overdue justice owed to survivors.
Among the most harrowing cases are those involving Laurie Maher, the former Gosford mayor and long-time superintendent of Mount Penang, who was facing charges of buggery and indecent assault before his death in May 2025. More than 100 civil claims have now been filed against the State of NSW, with survivors seeking recognition, compensation and closure.
Alessandra Pettit : Mount Penang Abuse Lawyer
Alessandra Pettit, a senior institutional abuse lawyer at Stacks Goudkamp. Her work is not just legal, it’s deeply personal and transformative.
Among her clients is Tony, who was sexually abused by Maher at age 16. Tony’s civil case led to a personal apology from the State of NSW – an important milestone in his healing journey.
“Laurie Maher was a monster to me. My life was ruined from the age of 16 because of him,” Tony said.
Pettit, who represents dozens of survivors from Mount Penang and other state-run institutions, understands the emotional toll these cases take.
“The tough-looking blokes are here for the kid that they were,” she explains, “and they’re here to stand up for the kid that couldn’t stand up for themselves… It’s really painful. Their entire life is put under a microscope.”
Ali’s work is giving voice to those who were silenced for decades, helping them reclaim their stories and their strength.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Stacks Goudkamp commitment goes beyond the courtroom. Through public advocacy, media engagement, and survivor support, Stacks Goudkamp is helping reshape how Australia confronts its history of institutional abuse.
If you or someone you know has been affected, now is the time to speak up. Justice may be delayed, but with the right support, it is never out of reach.
How Stacks Goudkamp Can Help Survivors of Institutional Abuse
At Stacks Goudkamp, survivors are not just clients, they are courageous individuals reclaiming their voice and dignity. The firm has built a national reputation for its compassionate, trauma-informed approach to institutional abuse litigation, offering survivors a safe and supportive path to justice.
With decades of combined experience, the team at Stacks Goudkamp has successfully represented hundreds of survivors across Australia. Our Mount Penang abuse lawyer have secured compensation and have helped clients obtain formal apologies, confidential settlements, and public accountability from powerful institutions.
Whether the abuse occurred in a state-run facility like Mount Penang, Daruk Boys Home, or Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre, or within religious, foster care, or educational institutions, Stacks Goudkamp has the legal expertise and emotional sensitivity to guide survivors through every step of the process.
Their services include:
- Free, confidential consultations with experienced Mount Penange abuse lawyer
- Comprehensive case assessments to determine eligibility for compensation
- Skilled negotiation and litigation to secure the best possible outcomes
- Support with psychological referrals and survivor advocacy
- No-win, no-fee arrangements in abuse matters
Led by Alessandra Pettit, who has been instrumental in landmark settlements and survivor advocacy, the firm is committed to ensuring that no survivor is left behind. Pettit and her colleagues understand that justice is not just about money, it’s about truth, recognition, and healing.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse in an institution, Stacks Goudkamp is here to help you take the first step toward justice, with dignity, respect, and unwavering support.
