The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has been in the Northern Territory this week meeting with victims of child sexual abuse.
Royal Commission CEO Janette Dines said the Royal Commission has met with members of the Stolen Generation affected by childhood sexual abuse in institutions.
“Around 40 people attended the meetings which were an opportunity for people to speak with trained investigators in an informal setting where they could feel safe.
“The Royal Commission wants to make it easy for as many people as possible to tell their story, and be heard and believed,” Ms Dines said.
Ms Dines explained the Royal Commission will also hold private sessions in Darwin from October 15.
“This is a chance for any Territorian affected by child sexual abuse in an institution to tell a Royal Commissioner what happened to them.
“We’ve had a strong response from Territorians wanting to tell their story. People have different reasons for coming forward. Many people want the Royal Commission to know what happened to them as a child and the impact it has had on their lives,” Ms Dines said.
On Wednesday 16 October the Chair of the Royal Commission, Justice Peter McClellan, will be meeting with support services in Darwin to talk about the Royal Commission’s work.
Ms Dines said the forum will focus on how community organisations can help their clients engage with the Royal Commission.
The Royal Commission will return to other parts of the Northern Territory for further private sessions in the future. Assistance with travel costs is available.
