REPORTING SEXUAL ABUSE
Sexual abuse is a crime and should be reported to police.
To contact the Police (other than in life threatening or time critical emergency situations) in all States and Territories, call 131 444.
The Police can also be contacted by visiting your local police station.
In an emergency call triple zero (000).
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
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/Territory 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.
If you do not feel comfortable raising the concerns with the religious institute directly, you can also contact the Catholic State/Territory Safeguarding Office where the incident occurred (except NSW and ACT where you should contact the religious institute). Details of State/Territory Safeguarding Offices can be found here. Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited can also be contacted for assistance with making a complaint.
The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1800 880 052 exists to provide support to you or someone you may care for to report abuse and neglect of people with disability.
1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) is a free call phone number that automatically redirects callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse with the phone service in their state or territory.