BishopAccountability.org

Royal Commission Arrives in West Australia

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
July 29, 2013

http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/Newsroom/Pages/Quarter%203/29July2013-RoyalCommissionarrivesinWestAustralia.aspx

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will be conducting private sessions in Perth this week.

Chief Executive Officer, Ms Janette Dines, said private sessions are conducted in an informal setting in the presence of one or two Commissioners.

“People who have come to a private session tell us that it was a positive and worthwhile experience,” said Ms Dines.

“We understand how difficult it can be for people to come forward and talk about what happened to them. There are trained counsellors available to provide immediate support to anyone in distress. We also encourage people to bring a support person with them such as a friend or family member.”

Ms Dines said that a large number of people are telling their story for the very first time. “Many people have said that after years of keeping silent, they feel safe to speak out. People have different reasons for coming forward. Some people want the Royal Commission to know what happened to them as a child and the impact it has had on their lives. Many people are telling us that they want to help make institutions safer for children in the future.”

“This will not be the only opportunity for West Australians to come forward to tell their story. We will be in Perth for two weeks of private sessions and will return to West Australia as many times as it takes to hear peoples’ stories,” said Ms Dines.

Private sessions have been held so far in Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.




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