Royal Commission to hold community forum in Bendigo

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
July 2, 2014

http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/media-release/1132/royal-commission-to-hold-community-forum-in-bendigo

Bendigo residents are invited to learn more about the work of the Royal Commission at a community information forum on Wednesday 23 July.

Royal Commissioner Justice Jennifer Coate will provide an overview of the work of the Royal Commission and answer questions from the community.

Royal Commission CEO Philip Reed said the community forum was open to any members of the public who have an interest in the Royal Commission.

“We particularly encourage people affected by child sexual abuse while in the care of an institution to attend the community forum,” Mr Reed said.

“You will not be required to discuss your personal story at the community forum, it is a chance to find out more about the work of the Royal Commission and how you can be involved.

“The forum is an opportunity for the Royal Commission to hear from local community groups and support services who are working with survivors of child sexual abuse in the region.”

In addition to the community forum, private sessions will also be held in the region.

“Private sessions provide an opportunity for people who have experienced child sexual abuse while in the care of an institution to share their story in confidence with a Commissioner,” Mr Reed said.

“Due to demand, private sessions in Bendigo have been fully allocated, but we anticipate further private sessions will be held in the region in the future.”

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
Bendigo Community Forum

• Date: Wednesday 23 July
• Time: 6:00pm–8:00pm
• Venue: Bendigo Town Hall, 189-193 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo, Victoria 3550

Please note: The community forum will be hosted together with the Centre Against Sexual Assault – Loddon Campaspe. For privacy reasons, the community forum is closed to media. Children under the age of 16 who would like to attend the community should be accompanied by an adult. If you wish to attend the community forum, please contact stakeholders@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au