AUSTRALIA
ABC News
A victim of church-related sexual abuse has hailed the tabling of the Victorian Parliament’s inquiry into the handling of child abuse by religious and other organisations as a “watershed” moment.
The report outlines 15 recommendations to end abuse, including the creation of new criminal offences for concealing abuse and endangerment.
The report also calls for the creation of an independent tribunal to hear abuse complaints.
Premier Denis Napthine has pledged to immediately start drafting legislation in response to the inquiry’s recommendations.
“We will act and act immediately to protect children in Victoria,” he said.
Abuse victims who were in the public gallery stood and hugged each other after the report was tabled.
A former school teacher, who lost her job after pursuing a sex abuse case, called it a watershed moment, while another victim said the tabling of the report is immensely important.
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