A Geelong woman has broken her decades-long silence to reveal shocking allegations of sexual abuse by a senior figure within the Geelong Revival Centre, marking a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of religious institutions across Australia.
Kathryn Knaggs, now in her fifties, has come forward with detailed accounts of abuse she says began when she was just 15 years old and continued over several years. Her decision to speak publicly comes after years of private suffering and represents a brave challenge against a powerful religious organization.
The Allegations and Their Impact
Knaggs alleges that a senior church figure began grooming her when she was a teenager attending the Geelong Revival Centre in the 1980s. The abuse reportedly started with inappropriate attention and escalated to serious sexual assaults that continued into her young adulthood.
"The psychological manipulation was as damaging as the physical abuse," Knaggs revealed in her first public interview. "He used his position of spiritual authority to control me, making me believe this was somehow normal or even sanctioned by God."
The alleged abuse has had lifelong consequences for Knaggs, who describes struggling with mental health issues, relationship difficulties, and the trauma of keeping her secret for so many years. She credits recent public discussions about institutional abuse with giving her the courage to finally come forward.
Institutional Response and Legal Proceedings
The Geelong Revival Centre has faced multiple allegations of abuse over the years, with several former members coming forward with similar stories. The institution, known for its conservative teachings and insular community, has historically maintained a policy of handling matters internally rather than involving external authorities.
Knaggs has reported the abuse to Victoria Police, who have confirmed they are investigating the allegations. The case represents another challenge for religious institutions in Australia following the landmark Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Legal experts note that while some of the alleged events occurred decades ago, recent legal changes in Victoria have made it easier for historical abuse survivors to seek justice. The changes include the removal of limitation periods for child abuse claims and the creation of institutional liability for failures to prevent abuse.
Broader Implications for Religious Institutions
This case emerges amid growing scrutiny of how religious organizations handle abuse allegations internally. The Geelong Revival Centre has previously been criticized for its handling of similar complaints, with former members alleging a pattern of protecting senior figures rather than supporting victims.
Advocates for abuse survivors emphasize the importance of cases like Knaggs' in encouraging other victims to come forward. "Every time someone finds the courage to speak their truth, it empowers others who have suffered in silence," said a representative from a survivor support organization.
The case also highlights the particular challenges faced by those abused within religious contexts, where spiritual authority and community pressure can create significant barriers to reporting abuse. Experts note that the psychological impact of spiritual manipulation can compound the trauma of sexual abuse itself.
As Knaggs' case moves forward, it joins numerous other Australian survivors seeking accountability from religious institutions. Her decision to speak publicly represents not just a personal quest for justice, but a contribution to the broader movement for reform within religious organizations across the country.
