REPORTING SEXUAL ABUSE

Sexual abuse is a crime and should be reported to police.

To contact the Police in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australian, Tasmania, Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory, call 131 444.

To contact the Police in Victoria, call 1800 333 000.

The Police can also be contacted by visiting your local police station.

The following services can help with the trauma of abuse:

• Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention

• Beyondblue - 1300 22 4636 - Support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention

• Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 - Phone Counselling Service

• Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

• Mensline - 1300 78 99 78

• 1800 Respect - 1800 737 732

• In an emergency call triple zero (000)

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse by a religious woman or man, or an employee or volunteer of a religious congregation, CRA encourages you to consider contacting the religious institution itself. The religious institution is also required to comply with relevant State laws, which may include reports to the Police and other authorities such as the NSW Ombudsman, Victorian Commissioner for Children and Young People or other regulatory body depending on the State. CRA, as the peak body that represents religious leaders in Australia, is not responsible for the conduct of any religious institution itself. CRA is however happy to support you in any endeavours to contact a religious institution.

Towards Healing was prepared as a pastoral, non-legal response for those who have been abused. This process has been managed by State Professional Standards Offices.

The Melbourne Response outlines the process of the Archdiocese of Melbourne in responding to complaints.

Guidelines for Church Authorities in Responding to Civil Claims for Child Sexual Abuse established by the Truth, Justice and Healing Council in November 2015 came into effect on 1 January 2016.  The document reflects that Church Authorities aim to be fair, reasonable and honest in their dealings with those who have been sexually abused. It outlines the principles by which Church Authorities are to act when engaging with survivors of child sexual abuse making claims against a Church Authority.

State Professional Standards Offices:

• Queensland 1800 337 928

• Northern Territory 0418 736 890

• South Australia 1800 139 020

• Tasmania 1800 356 613

• Victoria 1800 816 030

• Western Australia 1800 072 390

Some of these offices are subject to revision as Towards Healing and the Melbourne Response are coming to a close.