Fresh call for victims' input into sex abuse inquiry

The Observer
April 27, 2014

http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/call-for-victim-input-into-sex-abuse-inquiry/2240924/

THE Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is launching a national public awareness campaign today calling for survivors of child sexual abuse to come forward to share their stories.

Royal Commission chief executive officer Janette Dines said that while more than 1400 people had spoken with a Royal Commissioner, there may be many more who were yet to make contact.

"A recent telephone survey found that while there is widespread community awareness of the Royal Commission, many people are still unsure about what the Royal Commission can look into," Ms Dines said.

"This campaign is designed to encourage all Australians to find out more about the work of the Royal Commission and how survivors can share their story of child sexual abuse.

"From today, people should expect to start seeing and hearing more about the Royal Commission in news-papers, websites and radio stations around the country as the campaign is rolled out in every state and territory."

Ms Dines said the Royal Commission would be distributing information about its work across an extensive network of government bodies, community groups and service providers."

The survey found about 65% of people polled were aware of the Royal Commission, 40% did not know which organisations the Royal Commission could examine and 37% thought the Royal Commission could only examine religious organisations.

Half of those surveyed did not know how to share their story with the Royal Commission.

Only 57% of Queensland residents were aware of the Royal Commission, significantly lower than people in NSW (74%).