When institutions fail: the case of Lucan Roberts and the need for survivor-centred justice.
At Law Partners, we stand with survivors of institutional abuse. Those who were failed not only by individuals, but by the systems meant to protect them. The case of former Sydney Boys High teacher Lucan Roberts, who was facing 67 charges of child sexual abuse before his death in the early 2000s, remains a tragic and powerful reminder of how deeply institutional failures can run.
A tragic pattern of abuse and silence.
Lucan Roberts, a long-serving teacher at Sydney Boys High School, was facing 67 charges of child sexual abuse involving students aged 12 to 16. The alleged offences spanned decades, with many occurring in the late 1990s and early 2000s. One day before his court appearance, Roberts died by suicide, leaving behind a brief note and a legacy of unanswered questions.
For many survivors, it’s not just about one individual predator. It’s about the culture of silence and protection that allowed abuse to continue unchecked. It’s about institutions that failed to act, failed to listen, and failed to protect vulnerable children.
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Why trauma-informed legal support matters.
Cases like this are devastating, not only for the survivors directly affected, but for the broader community reckoning with institutional betrayal. At Law Partners, we believe survivors deserve more than just legal representation. They deserve to be heard, believed, and supported every step of the way.
That’s why our Institutional Abuse practice is built on a trauma-informed approach. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we’re committed to making that journey as safe and empowering as possible for our clients.
We’re proud to have Sheree Buchanan leading our Institutional Abuse practice. With over a decade of experience in personal injury law and a strong track record in institutional abuse claims, Sheree brings both legal expertise and deep empathy to her work. It’s an approach that’s earned Sheree the respect of the entire industry along with deep gratitude from her many clients.
“Survivors have been silenced for far too long,” says Sheree. “They deserve more than justice and compensation. They deserve to be heard, supported, and believed at every step as part of their recovery and healing.”
Under Sheree’s leadership, our team is expanding its capacity to support survivors across Australia, offering confidential, compassionate legal guidance tailored to each individual’s needs as we seek all the compensation the community deserves.
You are never alone.
If you or someone you know experienced abuse at Sydney Boys High, particularly involving former teacher Lucan Roberts, know that you are not alone. The path to justice can be daunting, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Sheree and her team at Law Partners are here to listen, guide, and advocate for you with care and confidentiality.
Whether your experience relates to Roberts or another individual, our Institutional Abuse team is ready to support you with trauma-informed legal advice and representation.
Call Sheree Buchanan at Law Partners today on 0292644474 for free, no-obligation legal advice, or simply fill out the form below and our team will get back in touch with you.
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