C.A.N. - Clergy Abused Network Incorporated

C.A.N. - Clergy Abused Network Incorporated is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse within religious institutions. Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), it operates as a trauma-informed network providing advocacy, support, and therapeutic referrals to individuals affected by clergy or lay worker abuse in religious contexts[1][2].

Purpose and Activities

The organization focuses on assisting survivors by:

• Providing access to therapeutic and medical practitioners.
• Assisting survivors seeking redress and support from law enforcement.
• Offering advocacy and liaison services with police, church organizations, and trauma service providers.
• Organizing regular community support events such as morning teas and group activities to reduce isolation and build peer connections among survivors and their families[1][2][3].

The network is composed of trauma-informed volunteers who share lived experiences of abuse, alongside professional staff supporting collective and individual survivor needs. C.A.N. operates independently of any religious affiliation and welcomes all adult survivors impacted by clerical abuse[3].

Collaborations and Projects

C.A.N. collaborates with academic institutions such as the University of Newcastle to research and address the long-term effects of abuse in religious settings. One notable project involves examining the historical and ongoing sexual and spiritual abuse of Catholic nuns, aiming to contribute to public knowledge through research dissemination and future global surveys[4].

Funding support from foundations like the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation enables C.A.N. to run specialized programs, including women’s survivor support groups and retreats focused on wellbeing and recovery. These initiatives are especially targeted towards survivors facing financial hardship and isolation[3].

Impact and Recognition

The organization emerged amid widespread awareness of institutional child sexual abuse in religious contexts, including high-profile cases such as that of Father Peter Brock, whose misconduct prompted formal recognition and remedial actions by entities like the University of Newcastle. C.A.N.'s work aligns with broader movements to hold clergy accountable and provide meaningful support to survivors[4][5].

C.A.N. - Clergy Abused Network Incorporated continues to play a vital role in the Australian community by addressing the complex needs of those harmed by abuse in religious institutions, fostering healing, and advocating for justice and recognition.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/f301a163-ef91-eb11-b1ac-000d3ad12d50 [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/f301a163-ef91-eb11-b1ac-000d3ad12d50/documents/9de7a647-3da9-ee11-be37-00224893cef4 [3] https://isnfoundation.org.au/partners/clergy-abused-network/ [4] https://hunterlivinghistories.com/2024/09/30/clergy-abused-network/ [5] https://msmagazine.com/2019/01/29/called-account-inside-feminist-fight-end-clergy-sex-abuse/