The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse issued its Final Report on 15 December 2017. The Final Report contained 189 recommendations, 105 of which are pertinent to state and territory governments.
The ACT has grouped the recommendations from the Final Report into four themes.
Principles and standards to ensure children are safe wherever they are.
Requiring institutions, organisations and employees who provide services to children to develop and maintain a high degree of transparency and accountability.
Safeguarding children in out-of-home care, residential care, the youth justice system, and providing safety education through the school curriculum.
Appropriate advocacy, counselling and support for victims and survivors of child sexual assault, children with problematic and harmful sexual behaviours, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and for people with disability.
The work of the Royal Commission and the ACT Government’s response may bring up strong feelings and questions. Be assured you are not alone, and that there are many services and support groups available to assist. Some options for advice and support include 1800 Respect, Lifeline on 13 11 14 and the National Redress Information Line on 1800 737 377.