Sex Abuse Support Services Overwhelmed with Calls

By Marion Ives
SBS
September 23, 2013

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/23/sex-abuse-support-services-overwhelmed-calls

[with video]

Counsellors say the Royal Commission into the handling of child sexual abuse in institutions is also setting back the "recovery" of many victims, and services are being overwhelmed by calls for help.

Ten months after the historic Royal Commission was announced, counsellor help lines are being flooded with calls.

They say people reporting to the inquiry are reliving old traumas.

"This discussion will be quite painful for all of us, but it will also help us to move to a place where we are going to be much better prepared to protect our children".

The Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia received almost $3 million of extra funding.

It traditionally helps women in New South Wales, but with demand soaring, it has now become a national service.

Sporting star Lauren Jackson is passionate about spreading the message: "Sexual family and domestic violence is not okay, it's not acceptable". 

And it's a message shared by Muslim representatives.

"If people are really practising their Islam we don't have any worries," said Wafa Zaim from the Muslim Women Association.

The Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia works with religious leaders to change attitudes towards seeking help, and assists over 90 Aboriginal women advocating in their community. 

Watch the video above for the full story.