Truth and Justice Council Supports Call for Victims to Come Forward

The Cathnews
June 12, 2013

http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=36613


Mr Francis Sullivan, CEO of  the Truth Justice and Council, has supported the call yesterday by the CEO of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Ms Janette Dines, for victims to come forward and tell their stories to Commissioners, the TJH Council said in a media release.

Ms Dines, speaking on national radio yesterday morning, encouraged victims to meet face-to-face in private sessions with Commissioners as they travel around Australia. The Commissioners were in Brisbane yesterday.

Mr Sullivan said it is vital that victims get to tell their stories. “The Royal Commission is an opportunity for victims and survivors of sexual abuse to come forward and be heard in an environment of support and safety,” Mr Sullivan said.

Around the nation some 1,400 people are scheduled to come forward to talk about their experiences in different institutions across Australia.

The private hearings are a relatively informal process in which victims can talk to one or two Commissioners.   A trained counsellor is also in attendance at the private hearing if victims become distressed or need assistance.

The truth Justice and Healing Council has been established by the Catholic Church to help the Church’s response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.