About our organisation
In May 2015, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse held Stage 1 of its Case Study 28: Catholic Church authorities in Ballarat (19–29 May).
The public hearings exposed harrowing details of abuse and cover-ups, revealing the silencing of child victims, their families, adult survivors, and whistle-blowers.
In response, some ribbons were tied to the gates of St Patrick’s College Ballarat.
Some former
St Alipius "Girls" School classmates were devastated to learn through the Royal Commission that such horrific abuse had taken place at the former
St Alipius Christian Brothers "Boys" School
— just a block from where they had been educated. It was where they had played, laughed, and experienced childhood as all children should. The boys who suffered this abuse weren’t strangers; they were their brothers, cousins, and friends — the same families they sat beside at church every Sunday.
On Thursday, 21 May 2015, Maureen "Mauz" Hatcher named the front fence of the former St Alipius Christian Brothers "Boys" School a LOUD fence — LOUD because there had been too much silence. She quickly created a Facebook page and, alongside her former primary school classmate Jacinta, tied bright, colourful ribbons to the fence.
Soon, ribbons began appearing not just in Ballarat but across Australia and beyond. People tied ribbons to their home fences, letterboxes, and community spaces as a public show of support for survivors and those who bravely spoke out at the Royal Commission.
The movement grew rapidly to include
victim-survivors of
all child sexual abuse — not just clerical abuse.
LOUD fence became a universal symbol of solidarity, awareness, and change, amplifying the voices of survivors and ensuring their experiences could never again be silenced.
On 4 July 2015, at the Care Leavers Australia Network (CLAN) conference, the Hon Justice Peter McClellan AM, spoke of ‘loud fences:
‘There are other aspects of the Ballarat hearing which could be discussed but I do not have time. However I should mention one quite remarkable event which has occurred. In the days immediately following the hearing parents, parishioners and other community members have been conducting what has become known as the ‘loud fence’ campaign.
They have been tying bright ribbons to the fences of the former St Alipius Boys School and St Patrick’s College as a sign of support for survivors and their families affected by sexual abuse. The ‘loud fence’ stands in contrast with the silence that was imposed on survivors as children.
The local newspaper has reported that ribbons have been tied on fences in Ballarat, in NSW and in Queensland. But it has not stopped there. I understand that the ‘loud fence’ campaign has reached Bali and Westminster Abbey in London.’
The words ‘NO more silence’ became synonymous with the
LOUD fence movement.
LOUD fences are visible not just locally or nationally, but across the globe — a simple yet powerful symbol of solidarity. Each ribbon carries a strong message of support for victims, survivors, their loved ones, and the communities that stand with them.
Right: A LOUD fence in front of the Vatican, Rome.
While we support and connect victim-survivors and their loved ones, we also engage with organisations that have inherited a painful and complex past.
We believe in the importance of acknowledgment, accountability, and meaningful change. By working with these organisations, we encourage open conversations, promote education and awareness, and help foster environments where history is recognised, harm is not ignored, and commitments to survivor-centered healing and prevention are upheld.
Change is possible when difficult truths are faced with: courage,
responsibility, and
action.
Respect and
communication are incredibly important to us, and the culture we foster.
Every ribbon has a voice ... just listen!
LOUD Fence Inc. operates as a registered charity and Incorporated Association (AA0111349X)
We rely on public donations to operate. Donations of any amount can be made via the Humanitix link on the Membership page.
We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all Country on which we meet, live and work on. We acknowledge their ongoing deep connection to the waterways, the land, and the sky. We acknowledge their ancestors and Elders and recognise those who continue to protect and promote Aboriginal cultures. We acknowledge the past and stand together for our future.
LOUD fence, walks beside and stands with victims, survivors and their loved ones, of sexual abuse.
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