That is, the passage of time does not lessen the seriousness of child sexual abuse, or its impact on victims.

He was at pains to point out that numerous case law examples cited to him during court submissions "did not greatly assist" when it came to sentencing.

Instead, he weighed up the "devastating impact" the abuse had on boys' lives, the fact that Standen still characterised the offences as discipline and the need for reformation and deterrence.

The power of victim impact statements delivered in April clearly affected this process.

As hard as they are, these statements offer victims their day in court, a chance to be heard after all these years and to look their abuser in the eye.

They were let down in the worst possible way and carried the scars through life.More often, they didn't tell anyone, fearing they wouldn't be believed against a Catholic institution held in high regard.

As Judge Blackmore said on Friday, "it is no longer a secret".Standen's sentence will not satisfy everyone.

It remains to be seen whether the prosecution will appeal.But for others it will give solace and relief.

We daren't use the word closure because the effect will endure far beyond conviction and the Christian Brothers' apology.

In a time of heightened awareness about the impact of child sexual abuse, the Brothers are reaching out.

We understand that a concerted effort is underway to meaningfully help victims on a similar scale to the Canberra/Goulburn Archdiocesan response. It is highly welcome and a path to healing.

Indeed, the Brothers had little option, given the scale of allegations in its ranks.

Three other Brothers, who also taught at St Pat's, are before the courts on indecent and sexual assault charges.

The Order can also expect hefty compensation applications from victims, adding to that already paid.None of this would have come out but for the dogged determination of Strikeforce Charish and its three Goulburn investigators, Detective Senior Constable David Turner, Detective Sergeant Matt Woods and Detective Senior Constable Mick Calleja.

They deserve every plaudit for their pursuit of the Standen case and others.It is no easy thing to persuade victims to give evidence.Friday's sentencing at least proves that justice will eventually come home to roost.