Royal Commission to Bring up a Lot of Emotions for Victims

The Bulletin
November 30, 2013

http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/counsellors-are-ready-to-help-abuse-victims/2100750/

SUPPORT: Aaron Kenney from Relationships Australia is supporting people through the Royal Commission into child sex abuse.

RELATIONSHIPS Australia will support victims of child sexual abuse in institutions who wish to talk to the royal commission.

Counsellor Aaron Kenney said as people began to tell their stories it would bring up a lot emotionally.

"Certain counselling services have been contracted by the royal commission to provide support as they go through the process," he said.

"We can support them to articulate their story.

"Some people, they haven't talked about it for quite a while, if ever."

Mr Kenney said the service would offer support emotionally to help identify coping mechanisms and other social support groups, reducing the feeling of isolation.

"We help them to prepare for the royal commission sessions and understand what they can expect.

"After they tell their story, we can help to process what happened and deal with where to from here."

Mr Kenney said there was no way of estimating how many people had been affected by sexual abuse in institutions or other organisations.

To arrange to speak with a counsellor, call Relationships Australia on 1300364277.