Australia's Catholic
Church paid out $213 million to victims of sexual abuse by priests
between 1980 and 2015, it has been revealed - although a lawyer
investigating Catholic sexual abuse has told Sputnik the true
compensation bill will be considerably higher, given the number of
victims who have failed to come forward.
On
average, victims who came forward with claims received US$70,000
(91,000 Australian dollars) each. Prosecuting barrister Gail Furness
said the extent of the abuse was likely to be "much greater" than the
claims made. Campaigners believe the true figure could be as high
as 10,000.