The Prime Minister’s announcement of a Royal Commission into child sex abuse is being widely welcomed.
It’s come as the direct result of allegations raised by Port Stephens Chief Inspector Peter Fox into claims of sexual abuse of children by Catholic Clergy in the Hunter dating back decades and allegations the crimes were covered up.
Founder and Executive Director of Child Protection Group Bravehearts, Hetty Johnston says the wide-ranging inquiry will help bring justice to victims.
It’s feared the royal commission which will look into child sex abuse crimes in many organisations across the nation, as well as the Hunter, will take a decade.
Hunter MP, Joel Fitzgibbon is suggesting a separate NSW inquiry to report on the issue more quickly, because the national commission could take too long and cause trauma for many individuals.
Problems coming from the abuse are costing the country over 10 billion dollars, with 59 thousand children falling victim to child sexual assault each year.
Brave Hearts founder and director, Hetty Johnston, says child sex abuse causes increased mental health problems, crime, family violence and suicide.