Broadcaster Urges Abuse Victims to Come Forward

ABC News
November 17, 2012

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-17/abc-broadcaster-urges-abuse-victims-to-come-forward/4377574


ABC breakfast radio presenter Eoin Cameron has urged all victims of child abuse to tell their stories to the royal commission.

Mr Cameron was repeatedly raped and sexually abused by a Marist Brother while he was student at a Catholic school in South Australia in the 1960s.

He says not a day goes by where he is not haunted by the memories of the abuse but he is prepared to give evidence to help ensure the full extent of institutional child abuse is exposed.

He has told the ABC's 7:30WA he understands why many victims may feel reluctant to speak out.

"Now the Royal Commission has been called, it's the opportunity for people not perhaps to go through something as stressful as I did," he said.

"It's a chance for them to tell their story, but already I'm hearing from people, I couldn't, I want to but it would kill my Mum and Dad."

He says it is vital victims of abuse share their stories with inquiry.

"They've got to tell their story," he said.

"If for no other reason they will find it therapeutic. I did."

Mr Cameron has rejected claims by Cardinal George Pell that the media has targeted the Catholic Church unfairly.

He says the Royal Commission will open a Pandora's box and expose widespread institutional child abuse.

"I think by the time this is over, there will not be a person in Australia who won't know someone whose had their life affected," he said.