Sexual abuse inquiry encourages regional victims to speak up

By Fiona Henderso
Border Mail
April 27, 2014

http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/2244104/sexual-abuse-inquiry-encourages-regional-victims-to-speak-up/?cs=55

REGIONAL victims are urged to share their stories with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The commission’s chief executive officer, Janette Dines, said regional and remote communities were the focus of a national public awareness campaign launched on Saturday.

“A recent telephone survey found that there is a high level of awareness of the royal commission in regional communities across Australia,” Ms Dines said.

“Despite this, many people are still unsure about what the royal commission can look into.

“While more than 1400 people have already shared their story with a royal commissioner, there may be many more people who are yet to make contact.

“This campaign is an opportunity for all Australians, no matter where they live, to find out more about the work of the royal commission and how survivors can share their story of child sexual abuse.”

Ms Dines said royal commission information would be distributed across an extensive network of government bodies, community groups and service providers.

“By distributing information about the royal commission via local councils, medical centres, government and community services, we will be able to connect with even more people and ensure that everyone who experienced child sexual abuse while in the care of an Australian institution has the opportunity to share their story with the royal commission if they choose to do so.”