Australian Investigation Can Pave Way for British Changes

By Manny Waks
The JC
July 16, 2015

http://www.thejc.com/comment-and-debate/analysis/139841/australian-investigation-can-pave-way-british-changes

With the onset of the independent inquiry into the historical sexual abuse of children in the UK, it is worth reflecting on the ongoing Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse currently underway in Australia.

Since the Commission's work commenced in early 2013, it is fair to say that Australia has been shocked by what it has been exposed to.

Through case studies or public hearings, we have witnessed first-hand the very worst of our society: the sexual abuse of children and the subsequent and deliberate cover-ups of these crimes, which are often accompanied by the re-traumatisation of victims through a range of actions, including intimidating them and their families into silence.

I can emphatically say that much of its success may be attributed to the fact that it has been victim/survivor-centric, meaning that all its activities seem to be infused with consideration primarily for the interests and wellbeing of past and future victims/survivors of child sexual abuse.

As a past victim myself of two separate perpetrators within the Australian, strictly Orthodox Jewish community, I disclosed my abuse publicly in mid-2011.

The ramifications of my public disclosure have been profound, ultimately leading to my and my family's effective exile from our home town in Melbourne.

Not only did I suffer the horrendous abuse, not only was I forced into silence through the deliberate cover-up, but when I finally mustered the courage to publicly expose these injustices, thereby assisting so many who were in a similar situation, I endured additional untold suffering. Sadly my experience is not unique.

I had publicly and privately advocated for the Royal Commission to hold a public hearing into the institution that covered up my abuse - the Yeshivah Centre. That hearing publicly exposed all the injustices that I, my family, and others in a similar position, endured.

The leaders, including many rabbis, were compelled to give evidence. They had nowhere to hide. They were exposed for what they were. And in many cases apologies were forthcoming. For the first time, I and many others felt fully vindicated and empowered.

Since the conclusion of that public hearing in mid-February, there have been many resignations and other positive developments.

For many victims/survivors, just the public discussion has created triggers, often reopening old wounds.

Public awareness around this issue is essential for the purpose of education, and to ensure that such crimes are prevented to the extent possible. But we must also be sympathetic to the experience of victims/survivors and offer them the support they need. Therefore, it is crucial that relevant and appropriate support services are adequately funded. The reported ?17 million for the first year of the UK inquiry seems highly inadequate.

Additionally, no community or segment of the community should be immune from investigation.

The Jewish community must be examined. There has been evidence of the sexual abuse of children, cover-ups and intimidation of victims/survivors.

It is clear that in the Grynhaus case - and the abuse of Yehudis Goldsobel for which her abuser was jailed - there were systemic failures within the community.

There is no doubt that the UK inquiry is of great significance, and has the potential to transform the lives of many.

But it will require a great deal of commitment, cooperation and resources. Hopefully these will be forthcoming.