AUSTRALIA
Lawyers Weekly
17 January 2017
Lisa Flynn
2016 was an important year in our history. It has been one of the most successful in shaping how we respond to reports of child sexual abuse, writes Lisa Flynn.
As we usher in 2017, it is important that we reflect on the lessons we have learnt and resolve to keep doing better to stop child abuse and continue to respond to survivors of abuse positively and compassionately.
We need to do better in our religious institutions.
The inquests into the Catholic and Anglican churches sex abuse claims exposed major failings in how churches in Australia have dealt with children being sexually violated and the lasting and devastating impact this has on victims.
We heard evidence from brave survivors within the various churches, of reports being made of abuse at the time yet no action being taken. What becomes perfectly apparent in these cases is that the church’s priority was to protect the church’s public image rather than to protect the children. This is a stark contrast to the duty of care and service they commit themselves to.
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