UPDATE: A jury in the Victorian County Court has just found Zev “Velvel” Serebryanski, 61, guilty of sexually assaulting child abuse survivor Manny Waks nearly four decades ago. Waks is now urging other survivors to step forward and report their allegations to the police.
The verdict was delivered on Friday afternoon, confirming that Serebryanski abused Waks during a religious festival at a community center in Melbourne between June 1986 and June 1988. Despite denying the charges, the jury returned guilty verdicts on three counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual penetration of a child aged between 10 and 16.
Waks, an advocate for victims of child sexual abuse within Jewish communities, expressed mixed emotions following the ruling. “While there has been a significant cost in pursuing justice … I feel grateful and blessed to be in this unique position,” he stated. His experience underscores the long and painful journey many abuse survivors face in seeking justice.
Prosecutor Jason Harkess revealed that Serebryanski developed a sexual interest in Waks when he was just 10 years old. The assault occurred during the Shavuot festival at the Yeshivah Centre, a hub for the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Melbourne. On the night of the assault, Serebryanski followed Waks away from the festivities before groping him and forcibly taking him into a bathroom.
Waks recounted being in a state of shock after the assault, saying he blacked out during the incident. He reported the abuse to police in 1996 and confronted Serebryanski in a recorded conversation in February 2017. During this exchange, Serebryanski claimed he “never wanted to harm him” and expressed distorted affection for Waks.
In defense, Serebryanski’s barrister, Ian Hill KC, argued that his client explicitly denied the allegations during the recorded conversation and raised concerns about the reliability of memories after so many years. However, the jury deliberated and returned their verdict just days later.
Waks is now calling on other victims and survivors to come forward, emphasizing, “My message to victims and survivors is to please know that you’re not alone.” He encourages individuals to connect with support networks and prioritize their well-being.
As Serebryanski awaits a pre-sentence hearing scheduled for next Friday, his bail has been extended while he faces the consequences of his actions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with issues related to sexual abuse, support is available. Contact 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732 for assistance.
This verdict marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight for justice among survivors of child sexual abuse, illuminating the urgent need for awareness and reporting of such heinous acts.
