Royal Commission Announces Public Hearing into the Salvation Army

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
December 6, 2013

http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/royal-commission-announces-public-hearing-into-the-salvation-army/

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has today announced the first public hearing for 2014.

The hearing, which will commence on 28 January, will inquire into the responses of The Salvation Army (Eastern Territory) to child sexual abuse within its children’s homes at:

Alkira Salvation Army Home for Boys, Indooroopilly, QLD

Riverview Training Farm (also known as Endeavour Training Farm), Riverview, QLD

Bexley Boys’ Home, Bexley, NSW

Gill Memorial Home, Goulburn, NSW

The hearing will also examine The Salvation Army’s processes in investigating, disciplining, removing and/or transferring anyone accused of, or found to have engaged in, child sexual abuse in these homes.

Royal Commission CEO Janette Dines is urging anyone who suffered sexual abuse as a child within these homes to contact the Royal Commission.

“We are in the process of gathering information relevant to this matter and would like to hear from as many people as possible.

“People’s experiences will help to inform the Royal Commission as to how The Salvation Army responded to allegations of child sexual abuse.

“We know it can be difficult for people to talk to us. I want to assure people that information shared with the Royal Commission is kept absolutely confidential. We do not share any information without permission,” she said.

Individuals and organisations, who believe that they have an interest in the Scope and Purpose of the public hearing, are invited to lodge an application for leave to appear.

Applications for leave to appear can be made via the Royal Commission website and should outline why the applicant has a substantial and direct interest in appearing.

The form and the submission should be lodged by 18 December 2013 with the Royal Commission via:

Email: solicitor@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au ; or

Mail: GPO Box 5283, Sydney NSW 2001

Victims wishing to speak with the Royal Commission should call 1800 099 340 or email registerinterest@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au

Media enquiries: Alisha Chapman: (02) 8282 3966 or 0477 708 469 media@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au