Sex Abuse Counsellors to Get Legal Training

By Nino Bucci
The Courier
November 29, 2012

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1153543/sex-abuse-counsellors-to-get-legal-training/?cs=12

Psychologists dealing with a surge of sex abuse victims after the announcement of a Royal Commission into the problem need to be trained to ensure their counselling does not jeopardise court proceedings, a child advocacy group says.

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Bravehearts, who have had a 300 per cent leap in demand for counselling services since the Royal Commission was announced on November 12, is launching an online training program for psychologists.

Therapeutic services manager Leza Sullivan said the service, which will cost psychologists $345 to complete, was the quickest way of increasing the number of people qualified to deal with complex cases.

"There's a real urgency to get this up and going as soon as possible because of the Royal Commission," Ms Sullivan said.

"There's a network of professionals we can upskill to help these adult survivors without mucking up police investigations or court cases.

"Only 10 per cent of sex assault cases end in conviction, and we don't want to see that number get any lower."

Bravehearts received $77,000 in federal government funding last week for three extra counsellors for three months because the service was struggling to meet demand.

Fairfax Media reported on Sunday that the Lifeline national suicide hotline had also been flooded with calls since the Royal Commission was announced.

The training service, funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, will be available on the Bravehearts website from Monday.

*For help or information call Suicide Helpline Victoria on 1300 651 251 or Lifeline on 131 114, or visit beyondblue.org.au.