North Coast Groups Welcome Abuse Inquiry

ABC News
November 12, 2012

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-13/nc-abuse-inquiry/4368660?§ion=news

A north coast support group for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse says plans for a national inquiry into the issue are fantastic.

The Royal Commission will investigate child abuse in institutions, such as schools, churches and foster homes, and look at how authorities responded.

The executive director of Alstonville's Heartfelt House, Vicki Dobrunz says it's a long overdue response.

"Anything that shines a light on sexual abuse and brings it to the forefront of society's mind is always fantastic," she said.

"It's been I think quite obvious to everybody that it's been rampant within many institutions over the years, but it's just something that society still doesn't like to talk about."

Meanwhile, a healing service for victims of childhood sexual abuse will be held in Casino next week.

Father Geoffrey Bradford says it will be the fourth time the service has been offered at the St Marks Anglican Church.

He says the decision to conduct a Royal Commission into child sex abuse is overdue.

Father Bradford says he hopes the inquiry answers once any questions about whether the church is above the law.

"Where does the law stop, where does the church start?" he said.

"It's been a blurred line for a long time.

"There are those that believe the church has its own way of doing things, and I for one am very grateful that we've found out we don't.

"We are all under the one umbrella and nobody is clear of the law when it comes to being a monster."

A spokesman for the Lismore Diocese of the Catholic Church says it's important that the Royal Commission has a broad scope of inquiry.

Frank Hannigan says the church's views on the issue of child abuse are clear.

"If any person, whether it's a Catholic or otherwise, has breached the law they should be dealt with in accordance with the law," he said.

"If the government has a Royal Commission it would appear prudent to me that they should cover the total spectrum, not only the Catholic Church."