The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is encouraging people in the Kimberley who have experienced child sexual abuse in an institution to express their interest in attending a private session.
Royal Commission officers will return to Broome and Kununurra on 19 May 2014 to meet with people interested in sharing their story. Royal Commissioners will also visit the region from 3 June to hold private sessions with people who have experienced child sexual abuse while in the care of an institution.
Royal Commission CEO Janette Dines said the visit provided an important opportunity for survivors of child sexual abuse to tell their story in private to a Commissioner.
“We strongly encourage all survivors who wish to share their story in private with a Commissioner to make contact with the Royal Commission or a local support service,” Ms Dines said.
“The information you provide will help the Royal Commission better understand how child sexual abuse in institutions can be prevented.
“For more information or to register your interest, phone 1800 099 340 or speak to one of our Aboriginal and regional community engagement officers.”
Ms Dines said more than 1,500 private sessions have been held across Australia to date, including more than 160 in Western Australia.
“We are determined to ensure that regional and Aboriginal communities have a voice in this process, and we are working with local community organisations and support services to encourage survivors of child sexual abuse to tell their story to the Royal Commission.”
To protect the privacy of those involved, the location of private sessions is confidential.
If you were sexually abused as a child while in the care of an Australian institution, you can tell your story to the Royal Commission by phoning 1800 099 340 or emailing contact@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au
