Royal Commission into church CSA in Australia

[Admin2]

It astonishingly has taken Julia Gillard, PM of Australia, to do what churches have been unable - to establish the process by means of a Royal Commission with wide legal powers, to cleanse the churches of the blight of child sexual abuse.

The Royal Commission in Australia, announced last night, is not just to examine the perpetrators (and presumably lay charges where appropriate) but also those "who averted their eyes" to this criminal and evil behaviour. Which is a large number of ordinary people, sadly.

www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/pm-announces-abuse-inquiry-20121112-29862.html

www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/finally-the-truth-can-emerge-20121112-2986v.html

The announcements indicate that allegations of suicides as a result of church CSA by men regarded as God's representatives will be investigated thoroughly, including those involving the F&W fellowship.

[Murphy]

It is gathering momentum no doubt, bring it on though as it is not before time. Hope the terms of reference are broad and all encompassing and that there is no dark place left to hide. The Royal Commission is likely to take many years, 3 years +. The biggest problem will relate to political influence resulting from pressure applied by some of the institutions that traditionally have money and clout!

[Admin2]

www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/gillard-acts-on-sex-abuse-claims-20121112-298h1.html

JULIA GILLARD has launched the most comprehensive inquiry into child sexual abuse in Australia's history with a nationwide royal commission to investigate churches, charities, state governments, schools, community organisations and even the police.

''Any instance of child abuse is a vile and evil thing,'' the Prime Minister said. "There have been too many adults who have averted their eyes to this evil".

''There has been a systematic failure to respond to it and to protect children.''


Ms Gillard said the commission's terms of reference would be finalised by Christmas, after consultation with the states, churches, victim support groups and other relevant organisations. She said that given the sheer scope of the commission, more than one commissioner might be appointed.

She put no time limit on the inquiry, saying that was ''not knowable'' but it would ''take quite some time''.

She said the inquiry would investigate ''all religious organisations'', state government care groups, not-for-profit bodies, schools and responders to abuse complaints such as child services agencies and police.

[mangochango]

YES!! Happy for you Australia!! Way to go PM Julia

[freedom]

Agree this is wonderful news although too slow in coming and only because much pressure was applied to political leaders.

Just heard a reporter (not sure if I am quoting exactly) discussing the Royal Commission and he said that "other leaders of religious groups may find themselves in the witness box giving account of their hierarchy".

While it has been stated this RC will possibly go on for up to 5 years at least it is a step in the right direction and the voice of victims will at last be heard.

Thanks to those who have posted excerpts/updates.

Will be watching and listening.

[Admin10]

Detective Inspector Fox said the royal commission should examine aspects of the Catholic Church such as confession, in which priests had been known to confess to other priests their abuse of children.

“We need to get laws to stop that happening and to compel those priests that are hearing those confessions to say, ‘Listen; God doesn’t want this man to commit more crimes. He wants me to come and tell the police to stop him’,” Detective Inspector Fox said.

He also hit out at Sydney Archbishop Cardinal George Pell’s claims that the royal commission was brought about by ongoing and at times one-sided media coverage.

“It certainly has been one-sided, because it seems to be the Church that has been continually screaming out the message that ‘We don’t need a royal commission, there’s nothing going on here, move along’,” Detective Inspector Fox said.

“We’ve had enough from that one side, Mr Pell. Now we’re going to start listening to the victims and start listening to their families and we’re going to start doing something about the problem.”

Detective Inspector Fox joined Twitter last week in his campaign for a royal commission.

On Monday night he tweeted: “I will sleep with a smile.”

[Admin5]

The decision by the Federal Government to hold a Royal Commission into CSA by religious organisations is to be welcomed and is a positive step to bring these organisations to account. It can also be an opportunity for victims to be heard and their stories taken seriously.

For this Commission to be successful in cleansing all churches of the scourge of CSA it needs victims and those who support them to make submissions. This Royal Commission has been long overdue and WINGS encourages all those who have been affected by CSA within the F&W church to make a submission.

WINGS will be willing to guide and help people to make a submission and encourages all those who feel moved to do so to PM any of the WINGS staff for assistance.

Lets all work together to use this Royal Commission to cleanse the church and move forward with a renewed focus to represent Christ on the earth in the way in which is befitting to the holy character of our God.

[bird]

Nov 14, 2012 4:54:58 GMT -5 Admin5 said:

The decision by the Federal Government to hold a Royal Commission into CSA by religious organisations is to be welcomed and is a positive step to bring these organisations to account. It can also be an opportunity for victims to be heard and their stories taken seriously.

For this Commission to be successful in cleansing all churches of the scourge of CSA it needs victims and those who support them to make submissions. This Royal Commission has been long overdue and WINGS encourages all those who have been effected by CSA within the F&W church to make a submission.

WINGS will be willing to guide and help people to make a submission and encourages all those who feel moved to do so to PM any of the WINGS staff for assistance.

Lets all work together to use this Royal Commission to cleanse the church and move forward with a renewed focus to represent Christ on the earth in the way in which is befitting to the holy character of our God.

AMEN !!!! I have training in CSA and how ro deal with it and help victims so am willing to help whoever and whenever.

[Admin5]

The following is the Government web page on the Royal Commission:


Establishment of the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse

On Monday 12 November 2012 the Prime Minister announced that she will be recommending to the Governor-General the establishment of a Royal Commission into institutional responses to instances and allegations of child sexual abuse in Australia.

The Terms of Reference and the membership of the Commission are currently being developed. These arrangements will be discussed with Premiers and Chief Ministers, as well as survivors groups, religious leaders and community organisations in coming weeks. The Attorney General, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, and the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, will co-ordinate this work on behalf of the Commonwealth Government in coming weeks.

Individuals and organisations wishing to provide input to be considered by the Royal Commission will have ample opportunity to do so. The terms of reference for the Royal Commission will ask that it seek submissions from the public. The Commission will also have the power to call witnesses and take evidence. It is likely the Royal Commission will begin its work in early 2013.

If you wish to be kept advised on the establishment of the Royal Commission or if you would like your details passed on to the Secretariat to the Royal Commission, you may provide an email or postal contact address through one of the following ways:
•Telephoning the national call centre on: 1800 099 340
•Email to the following address: [e-mail]
•By post to the following address:
Secretariat
Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse
PO Box 6555
CANBERRA ACT 2600
AUSTRALIA

This information would only be disclosed to the Commission’s Secretariat for the purpose of contacting you to provide information about how to make a submission. It would not be used or disclosed for any other purpose.

The Secretariat is likely to be able to provide the details of the arrangements for the making of submissions to the Commission in early 2013.

If you or someone you know is a victim of child sexual abuse, this should be reported to the police in your state or territory. They are the appropriate authority for investigating specific cases of child sexual abuse and they will be able to put you in contact with support agencies and counselling services that specialise in assisting victims.

While the Royal Commission will likely consider the circumstances of specific individuals and institutions through its inquiries, it will not conduct investigations or prosecutions into those matters.

Support services are available to help those affected.

Should you require immediate or crisis support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Lifeline provides 24 hour support to all Australians experiencing a personal crisis.

[Admin2]

Unit to target child sex abusers

www.theage.com.au/national/unit-to-target-child-sex-abusers-20130110-2cj34.html


AN INVESTIGATIVE unit designed to prosecute sex offenders will be established as part of the royal commission on the sexual abuse of children due to begin later this year.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Families Minister Jenny Macklin will on Friday announce terms of reference for the commission, which will focus on ''systemic failures and issues'' in the response of organisations and institutions to the abuse of children.

While royal commissions do not have the power to prosecute individuals, the government will ensure allegations of abuse raised by the commission can be investigated and, if proven, prosecuted.


The terms will give commissioners the power to set up a special ''investigative unit'', which will work closely with police to investigate and prosecute past abuses.

[Admin2]

Julia Gillard announces Terms-of-Reference

www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/too-many-blind-to-vile-crime-of-child-sex-abuse-pm-20130111-2ckan.html


Too many blind to 'vile crime' of child sex abuse: PM

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said too many people have turned a blind eye to the shocking crime of child sexual abuse, as she announced the terms of reference for the royal commission in Sydney on Friday.

Ms Gilllard said that it is clear that too many children had been subject to sexual abuse in institutions and were not provided with a safe childhood.

Describing child abuse as a ''hideous, shocking and vile crime'', Ms Gillard said, ''I believe our nation needs to have this royal commission.''


Ms Gillard said to survivors of child sexual abuse, ''we want your voices to be heard. Even if you felt for all of your life that no one's listened to you.''


This is the opportunity for all victims to speak out, for your voices to be heard. To take back the power that those who have abused and covered-up have taken from you for far too many years of your lives.

It is an opportunity for the F&W fellowship to start afresh on a path of holiness. For repentance from the culture that has looked away when children have been wickedly abused by certain of those in ministry (who are well known to WINGS and whose names will be provided, as is our legal and moral responsibility).

For openness and no more cover-ups or protecting of perpetrators of sexual abuse. For loving support and nurturing of victims from the past. For protection of today's children and no more victims in the future.

A time for all Good Samaritans to feel hope.

[Admin2]

Abuse victims may get payout

THOUSANDS of child sexual abuse victims across Australia have been offered the prospect of financial compensation for their treatment at the hands of institutions and organisations.

The royal commission into child sex abuse will be asked to report on what institutions and governments should do to address or to soften the impact of past and future abuse. This could include forcing institutions to offer redress, helping crimes be referred for prosecution and offering support services.

Announcing the terms of reference, Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Australia must never again avert its eyes from the spectre of child sexual abuse.

''Any child being subject to child sexual abuse is an evil and horrible event,'' Ms Gillard said.


www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/abuse-victims-may-get-payout-20130111-2clj4.html


While royal commissions do not have the power to prosecute individuals, the government will ensure allegations of sexual abuse raised by the commission can be investigated and, if proven, prosecuted.

The terms of reference will require commissioners to establish a process for the referral of cases to the police. Commissioners are also empowered to set up a special ''investigative unit'', which will work with police.