03 9415 9999 03 9415 9999
  • Catholic Clergy Claims
    Catholic Clergy Claims
    Dr Vivian Waller has acted in claims against Catholic Clergy since 1995.
  • State Ward Claims
    State Ward Claims
    Dr Viv Waller has acted for former wards of the state of Victoria since 1997 when she commenced group litigation on behalf of many former residents of the Ballarat Orphanage who were abused in care.
  • The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
    The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
    Established in January 2013, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse investigated how institutions like schools, churches and sporting groups responded to allegations of child sexual abuse.

The Trauma Informed Practice Model

Waller Legal is committed to the Trauma Informed Practice Model

The Trauma Informed Practice Model

We know that talking about sexual assault can be hard.

Waller Legal adopts a trauma informed practice approach to providing legal services. We are aware that a person may be triggered or re-traumatised by a re-telling of their history. While talking to us about the abuse and the impact it has had on you is a necessary part of us working together, we attempt to minimise distress wherever possible. 

We try to make it as easy as we can by giving you information and choices.  If you have given an account of the abuse already, such as in a police statement, we’ll give you the option for us to obtain and read the police statement first so you don’t have to say it twice.

 

Key features of our approach include:

(a)   Taking the time to explain the process to clients and answer any questions.

(b)   Obtaining any documents which may be available in which the client has already given an account of events to see if it is possible to avoid taking a further statement;

(c)    Empowering clients with as much choice as possible, for example, providing them with the option to meet in person or talk by telephone, bring a support person or come alone, write things down themselves or talk it through.

(d)   Asking clients to nominate their preferred contact method, such as mail, email or phone.

(e)    Exploring alternative dispute resolution processes where possible.

(f)   Negotiating with defendants about changes to processes that might be required to accommodate an individual client’s needs.

(g)   Advocating on behalf of clients and making sure they don’t have any direct contact with defendants, such as church personnel, unless they choose to.

(h)    Exploring ways to include pastoral responses where appropriate.

(i)    The provision of trauma informed training to our staff.

 

We don’t always manage to avoid upset but we try hard to minimise factors that are within our control.  We constantly think about ways to improve our services and we welcome your feedback. 

If you would like to discuss a potential claim for compensation, please call the office on 03 9415 9999 or email the team at info@wallerlegal.com.au.
In pursuit of justice
In The News
Testimonials

  • I do not think that words can fully express my gratitude, but I will try.  It took me a number of years to decide to proceed with legal action for my abuse claim.  I had heard about Waller Legal from a friend and I must say that all he said was correct, in that they are awesome, sympathetic, etc.  But not ever what he told me prepared me for the experience that I had dealing with Waller Legal.  Firstly, Elisa.  You are a lovely empathetic soul who I truly felt comfortable dealing with.  You were even able to make me laugh on my down days of going through and discussing legal issues pertaining to my case.  It was a pleasure dealing with you. Thank you so much.

    Vivian Waller you too are amazing both as a person and as a legal representative.  I felt so comfortable with you from our very first meeting.  You spoke like a sister to me, not just as a lawyer.  Your legal ability is truly outstanding and you represented me with 110% effort always.  You made the hearing easy for me, as I had total confidence in you.

    For everyone who is hesitant to make a claim against an abuser, please do not hesitate to have Vivian and her staff represent you.  Truly amazing people.  Thanks so much again.

    JF

  • Thank you so much for all of your hard work this year getting my VOCAT application together, and for the fantastic outcome. While I am still dealing with the emotional ramifications of what happened to me, I now feel like I have the means to continue rebuilding myself and my life. Thank you.

    CC

  • Dear Vivian,

    I wish to thank you for everything you have done to enable me to feel some justice has been achieved with the hope that the Catholic Church recognises it’s failings and addresses them.  In doing so, the Catholic Church can continue in the future, without public cynicism and to keep alive the central message of all religion, “to love thy neighbour as you would love yourself”.

    Essentially, this is asking us to step into another’s shoes before we judge them.  I feel that you did this for me during my conversations with me, and this made it easier for me to go through the whole process.  I also won’t forget the thoroughness and delightful manner of your staff.

    JA

  • I would like to thank you for acting on behalf in regards to the Christian Brothers.  Your logo “in pursuit of justice” says it all.  I didn’t know what to expect and very nearly withdrew from the whole process, but I am happy I didn’t.

    The most rewarding aspect for me was the sensitivity and warmth shown by you in relation to a very complex and emotional matter.  Also the knowledge that there are people willing to stand up on behalf of people like me has a healing effect.  I would also like to thank your staff for their warm and professional matter in this whole process.  You said to me during the phone appointment that you counted it a privilege to act for people like me.  Well Dr Waller, the privilege was all mine.  I wish you all the best in the future.

    JC

  • You are a wonderful warrior for truth and justice.

    Mary

  • Viv Waller spent many hours over months gathering, sorting and preparing our evidence and my statement - a statement which was webcast around Australia and the world. 

    Viv Waller has spent her professional career solely helping and assisting people who were sexually assaulted as children by those in religious organisations.  In so many cases she had taken the power from the perpetrator and given it back to the survivor.

    Viv Waller’s work is essential.  Her guidance, abilities and professionalism lead me through a most overwhelming and daunting task which I can only thank her for.

    Chrissie Foster

  • Thank you so much for your efforts in this matter, and your patience with my frustrations as well.

    BQ

  • I would like to thank you for all you have done for me. The steps taken thus far have helped me greatly. Without your help I am not sure where I would be today, on behalf of myself and my family THANKYOU SO MUCH.

    Garry

  • Dear Viv and Staff, thank you so much. You are all wonderful.

    E, L & J

  • What Dr Waller has achieved for me is nothing short of a miracle.  At the age of 60 I was feeling very upset at the abuse that I had encountered as a very young girl at the hands of a Salesian Brother.  My dealings with the Salesians many years later to try and resolve the matter left a very bitter taste in my mouth.  In fact, they made me feel abused all over again.  Vivian Waller was referred to me by Broken Rites, and that was the day my life changed.  I am so grateful that my words feel a little trite.

    Vivian has a no nonsense approach, keeps you on track, is honest, and like a dog with a bone, she keeps you going to have the desired outcome.  The world needs more Vivians.  Myself and my family are forever grateful to you.  Thanks mate, you’re my hero.

    Cathie
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