Royal Commission to hold private sessions in Townsville

AUSTRALIA
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

13 March, 2015

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will hold private sessions in Townsville for the first time from 17 to 20 March 2015.

Royal Commission CEO Philip Reed explained that private sessions are critical to the Commission’s work, as they allow Commissioners to hear firsthand of the impact of abuse on people and how the response of an institution affects survivors over their lifetime.

“Through private sessions, we are learning about the impact of child sexual abuse not only on individuals, but their families and communities.

Mr Reed said private sessions also provide information on systemic issues and institutions that may be considered in public hearings.

Private sessions are held in a confidential, safe and supported environment. Commission staff provide counselling and can arrange interpreters or other communication assistance if required.

Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.