Inquiry finds abuse takes years to uncover

Sky News
June 30, 2014

http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/2014/06/30/inquiry-finds-abuse-takes-years-to-uncover.html

It takes an average of 22 years for survivors of child abuse to come forward - and it takes men longer than women, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse says.

In its interim report, released on Monday, the commission said its analysis of information it received shows 90 per cent of sex abusers are men.

It also found on average, female victims were nine years old and male victims 10 years old when the abuse started.

'Although many instances of abuse reported to us occurred some years ago, the information we have gathered and the public hearings we have conducted confirm that abuse remains a contemporary issue,' the commission found.

'We understand that although many people have come forward to the Royal Commission, it is likely that they represent only a minority of those abused.

'Many others are yet to disclose their abuse or, for various reasons, feel unable to come forward at this time.'

The commission is running a series of research projects into child sex abuse, including a history of abuse offences in Australia and analysis to identify possible sentencing reform for child abusers.

It is also planning a review of the strengths and challenges of mandatory reporting requirements in Australia.

Another project currently in the scoping phase is a review of evidence to explain the relevance of child pornography and child exploitation material to child sexual abuse in institutions.