URGENT UPDATE: A child abuse survivor is taking a stand against Australia’s bankruptcy laws, demanding immediate reforms to ensure justice for victims. Edan Van Haren, who was awarded over $1.4 million in compensation on July 5, 2023, has yet to receive a single dollar due to the convicted child rapist Maurice van Ryn declaring bankruptcy.
Van Ryn, serving a nine-year prison sentence for multiple offenses, managed to evade his financial obligations after the Supreme Court ruling, igniting outrage and calls for legislative change. “I never did this for money,” Edan stated. “It’s about controlling the narrative. I refuse to let these paedophiles avoid accountability.”
Edan, who was abused between 2010 and 2012, disclosed the trauma in 2016 and filed a police report in March 2018. His story highlights a troubling loophole in Australian law that allows convicted criminals to escape paying compensatory debts through bankruptcy.
His grandmother, Carolyn Kelly, a solicitor, voiced her frustration, stating, “It’s inexplicable that a paedophile can simply hide money and declare bankruptcy to avoid paying for the immense suffering he has caused.”
The current laws, she argues, fail to protect victims and enable criminals like van Ryn to manipulate the system. “We need legislation that prioritizes the rights of victims over perpetrators,” Kelly added.
Alongside Edan, Kelly has initiated a petition on Change.org, aiming for 10,000 signatures to push for a change in the Bankruptcy Act. They are calling for one simple amendment: that criminals cannot extinguish judgment debts through bankruptcy declarations.
Richard Livingston, Edan’s father, emphasized the absurdity of the current protections for criminals. “Bankruptcy should shield those in financial distress, not those who commit heinous crimes,” he said. “The government is prioritizing criminals over victims, and that needs to change immediately.”
The duo’s efforts come as they rally support from the community and lawmakers, asking for greater accountability and justice for survivors of abuse. “This is about reclaiming control of our lives,” Edan insisted. “I will not give up until there is real change.”
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the Australian government to respond to this urgent call for reform. The fight for justice continues as Edan and his family advocate for a system that truly supports victims of abuse.
