The National Office for Child Safety has announced it has completed more than 350 consultations on the implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Marking one year since the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse last October, the office noted the Royal Commission made 409 recommendations to better protect children against sexual abuse and alleviate the impact of abuse on children when it occurred.
Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator Anne Ruston (pictured) announced a further $11.7 million for the National Redress Scheme, which gives victims and survivors access to counselling and psychological services as well as monetary payments.
She said the scheme also facilitated a direct personal response from the institution where the abuse occurred, for those victims and survivors who wished to receive one.
“The Commonwealth is working with State and Territory Governments to ensure Working With Children checks align with Royal Commission recommendations,” Senator Ruston said.
“In addition, The Combatting Child Sexual Exploitation Legislation Amendment Act has strengthened laws against forced marriage and overseas child sexual abuse committed by Australian citizens and residents.”
She said the Act amended Commonwealth laws to use the term ‘child abuse material’ in place of ‘child pornography’— “an outdated term that did not reflect the heinous criminal acts depicted in child sexual abuse materials”.
“An Online Safety Charter is due to be released soon, establishing the Government’s expectations, on behalf of the Australian community, for social media services, content hosts and other technology companies,” Senator Ruston said.
“The Government is also establishing a National Centre for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse to raise awareness of the impact of abuse and increase workforce knowledge in responding to victims and survivors.”
More information is available from the National Office for Child Safety website at this PS News link.
