Royal Commission Calls for Submissions on Experiences of Police and Prosecution Responses

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
May 1, 2015

http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is seeking community views on its latest issues paper looking at the criminal justice system including police responses and prosecution processes to child sexual abuse in institutional contexts.

Royal Commission CEO Philip Reed said this is the eighth issues paper the Royal Commission has released and forms part of the Royal Commission’s program of work on criminal justice.

“If you have personal experience of police responses or prosecution processes in relation to child sexual abuse in an institution, either as a complainant, family member, witness, support person or affected institution, the Royal Commission would like to hear from you,” Mr Reed said.

“The Royal Commission is considering many aspects of the criminal justice system, including the reporting of child sexual abuse to police, how police responded and investigated, and prosecution and trial processes,” he said.

“Our Terms of Reference require us to explore how to best respond to child sexual abuse in institutions, including removing or reducing barriers to effectively reporting, investigating and responding to allegations and incidents of sexual abuse through the criminal justice system,” Mr Reed said.

An institution means any organisation, club, agency or association, including children’s homes, government agencies, schools, sporting clubs and out-of-home care.

Submissions are also welcome from those who have professional experience of police and prosecution responses, including as legal representatives, service providers or researchers.

Organisations and individuals wishing to respond to Issues Paper 8 should lodge their submission by emailing criminaljustice@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au by Monday 15 June 2015.

[e information on Issues Paper 8 or to lodge a submission visit http:]

For specific stakeholder enquiries please contact stakeholders@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au