Gag orders could hamper abuse royal commission

AUSTRALIA
Radio Australia

Tom Nightingale

Support groups have warned that the upcoming Royal Commission into child sexual abuse could be held back by legal gag orders.

Support groups have warned that the upcoming Royal Commission into child sexual abuse could be held back by legal gag orders.

They say some of the most severe cases of abuse might be restricted by a court order or a confidential legal settlement and there are concerns this could stop some victims sharing their stories.

At the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into abuse, the Catholic Church waived any confidential legal agreements that had been entered into by victims of abuse and allowed victims to give evidence.

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