AUSTRALIA
The Australian
Sophie Gosper
From:The Australian
July 13, 2012
SUPPORT groups for sexually abused children say the Victorian parliament’s terms of reference to investigate widespread cases of sex abuse within the clergy and beyond is a step in the right direction, but that the August 31 cut-off for submissions does not allow enough time to make their case.
The spokeswoman for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, Nicky Davis, said the committee was asking victims to reveal incredibly traumatising and distressing personal information, which some may struggle to even submit in writing, so to offer such a small window was unrealistic.
“The time is vastly inadequate,” she said. “Even if they were just covering the Catholic Church it wouldn’t be enough time, let alone all other non-government organisations and any other organisation that might come up. It is actually a far bigger task than they may think.
“I am also concerned whether or not the magnitude of church (public relations) material that will be dumped on the committee during this time period will drown out the voice of the victims.”
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