Lawyers seeking witnesses to alleged historic child sexual abuse in Hunter

The lawyers of a former detainee are calling on witnesses of alleged child sexual abuse at a state-run juvenile justice centre to step forward.

Slater and Gordon are representing a 57-year-old First Nations Anaiwan man who alleges he was abused in 1983 while detained at the Worimi Shelter.

He alleges he was abused by two male officers who were working at the facility while he was detained there in 1983.

Slater and Gordon senior practice leader Ciara White said the alleged abuse has had a profound impact on her client's emotional and psychological wellbeing.

"Our client was 15 years old when the alleged abuse occurred," Ms White said.

"He was in state care and entrenched in the youth justice system when two separate officers, each entrusted with his safety, allegedly took advantage of him.

"After the first incident, he reported the alleged abuse to another male officer.

"Instead of protecting him, that officer told him words to the effect of "get used to it kid, you're in the big boy's home now" and then allegedly abused him as well.

"Following the report, the alleged abuse continued on multiple occasions and by that point our client, a teenager, felt completely helpless."

Worimi Shelter was also known as Worimi Remand Centre, Worimi Youth Centre, and Worimi Juvenile Justice Centre.

The centre had as many as 350 children pass through its doors each year during the 1980s before it officially closed in 2000.

The shelter was for children waiting for court hearings or in custody pending trial.

When it opened, it had capacity for 13 boys and girls under 18.

Slater and Gordon alleges the state of NSW, as operator of Worimi Shelter, failed to take necessary precautions to ensure their client's safety during his detention.

Ms White said any information could assist Slater and Gordon to understand how extensive the alleged abuse was at Worimi Shelter in 1983.

"If you were employed by, or detained at, the state-run Worimi Shelter in the early 1980s, we urge you to contact us for a confidential discussion on 1800 565 892.

"Any information on the state-run Worimi Shelter or the two male officers at the centre of the allegations could assist our client in seeking justice for the alleged abuse.

"It's vital that witnesses and victim-survivors with relevant information have the opportunity to provide their accounts safely and confidentially with a trauma-informed legal professional," Ms White said.

Claims of historic sexual abuse were also raised in 2023 with Slater and Gordon investigating alleged abuse at the shelter between 1995 and 2002 in relation to a civil lawsuit.

• Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.