AUSTRALIA
SBS
The first sitting of the royal commission into institutional child sexual abuse began today in Melbourne.
WHY IS IT HAPPENING?
The main aim of the royal commission is to investigate systemic failures within church and state-run institutions relating to child sexual abuse and related matters.
Earlier this year Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the terms of a Royal Commission into institutional child sexual abuse.
A joint statement from Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Mr Dreyfus and Families and Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin said the commission hearings would “mark the start of a healing process for survivors and their families”.
“The royal commission will enable thousands of Australians who suffered as children to recount their experiences and express feelings that many carry to this day as a result of the harm caused to them,” the statement said.
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