The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has begun in Melbourne’s County Court, enable thousands of Australians who suffered as children to recount their experiences and express feelings that many carry to this day as a result of the harm caused to them.
The Gillard Government announced counsel assisting the Royal Commission are Gail Furness SC and Victorian barrister Melinda Richards.
The Government also announced the establishment of a free national legal advisory service for people engaging or wishing to engage with the Royal Commission.
The free legal advisory service will provide people with legal and procedural advice on important issues such as preparing submissions to the Royal Commission.
The service is available via free telephone service nationwide and face-to-face meetings in selected locations.
The Royal Commission will inquire into how institutions with a responsibility for children have managed and responded to allegations and instances of child sexual abuse and related matters.
It will investigate where systems failed to protect children and will make recommendations on how to improve laws, policies and practices to prevent and better respond to child sexual abuse in institutions.
For more information on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse call 1800 099 340 or www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au
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