The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse today released an issues paper on statutory victims of crime compensation schemes and their effectiveness for those who experience child sexual abuse while in the care of an institution.

Royal Commission CEO Janette Dines said this is the seventh issues paper of the Royal Commission and forms part of a series of projects in relation to the scope of justice for victims.

“All states and territories have schemes that allow victims of crime to apply for compensation, counselling and other services from a dedicated pool of funds.

“The schemes can differ greatly between states and territories, such as time frames for victims to apply for compensation, the payments and services that victims receive and the level of supportive evidence victims require to apply for compensation.

“The Royal Commission is required under its terms of reference to consider the role of compensation in addressing and alleviating the impact of child sexual abuse.  This is a very important part of the Royal Commission’s inquiries.

“The Royal Commission is seeking submissions from interested individuals, government and non‑government organisations on the matters raised in Issues Paper 7.

“We particularly welcome submissions from those who have been involved in statutory victims of crime compensation schemes, in relation to child sexual abuse in institutions, either as participants or administrators,” Ms Dines said.

Organisations and individuals wishing to respond to Issues Paper 7 have until Monday 30 June 2014 to lodge a submission by emailing contact@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au.

Read more information on Issues Paper 7 or lodge a submission.