Abuse Inquiry Has 'Helped Jewish Victims'

By Patrick Caruana
The 7 News
November 12, 2013

http://au.news.yahoo.com/vic/a/19683201/abuse-inquiry-has-helped-jewish-victims/

A Victorian parliamentary inquiry into institutional responses to child abuse has apparently empowered victims to tell their stories.

Manny Waks, who formed the Jewish victims' support group Tzedek this year, says the inquiry has already provided a huge service to those who have suffered abuse.

"This has empowered victims and their families and given them confidence," he told AAP.

"They feel they are being listened to for the first time.

"This was the catalyst for the founding of Tzedek; I personally credit the inquiry for this development."

Mr Waks, who gave evidence to the inquiry of his own abuse, said Tzedek had been contacted by about 100 victims from around the country, including dozens from Victoria.

He said the scale of abuse within the Jewish community was still being uncovered.

"It takes victims an average of 25 years after their abuse as children to come forward," he said.

Mr Waks says he hopes the inquiry leads to a greater focus on education so abuse can be more quickly detected.

"Teaching children, their parents and their teachers about the signs of abuse is fundamental if we want to be proactive in helping victims," he said.

He said an extension of mandatory reporting requirements could also break the tradition of silence within some religions.

Mr Waks said the inquiry had put political pressure on Canberra, leading to the establishment of a royal commission.