Around 50 women have come forward to police detectives to report abuse and rape at Parramatta Girls Training School as children in the 60’s and 70’s. Strike Force Bilvo has been established to investigate the claims, focusing on two former officers, Frank Valentine and Noel Greenaway, who are still alive.
Valentine and Greenaway were named by a number of witnesses in the Royal Commission public hearing into the former girl’s home in February 2014. They are accused of beating and raping vulnerable young girls, many of whom were placed in the home due to neglect and abandonment. Neither Valentine or Greenaway appeared at the public hearing. Both men continue to strenuously deny the allegations.
Valentine had a long career working for the Child Welfare Department in senior positions. If Valentine is charged as a result of this current investigation, it will not be the first time that he has been charged with child sex offences. Valentine was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault against a male foster child in the early 80’s. The matter went to trial in 1986, however Valentine ultimately avoided conviction. Further charges were brought against Valentine for the sexual abuse of another male State ward in the late 1970’s, however the victim sadly took his life two days before the trial commenced in 1988.
Strike Force detectives are appealing to the public for former staff members and inmates of the school to come forward with any information that may assist their investigation.
Anyone who experienced abuse at Parramatta Girls Training School or the Hay Institution for Girls are also urged to contact Kelso Lawyers on 1800 650 707. Kelso Lawyers are conducting a large class action against the State Government.
Read the Daily Telegraph’s report here.
