Royal Commission into Child Abuse Turns Its Eye to Police

By Chris Calcino
Sunshine Coast Daily
May 5, 2015

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/Royal-Commission-into-child-abuse-turns-its-eye-to/2627880/

SURVIVORS who reported child sexual abuse in an institution to police have been asked to tell their stories about interactions with officers and the courts.

The Royal Commission uncovering a history of sexual predation in some of Australia's largest institutions is now turning its attention to police and the prosecutorial process.

The new inquiry follows testimonies given over 26 inquiries since 2013 about children being returned to church-run institutions after complaining about abuse to police, only for the mistreatment to continue.

Royal Commission CEO Philip Reed said victims, family members, witnesses, support workers and the institutions involved would all be invited to give evidence.

"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."

The commission will hold another public hearing in Sydney on Wednesday, this time investigating cases of child sexual abuse in private medical practices and public hospitals.

Submissions to the police inquiry can be made to criminaljustice@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au by Monday, June 15.