$4.9 million for specialist support services for sexual abuse survivors

The Australian Government is investing $4.9 million in specialist support programs for survivors of child sexual abuse.

Eleven specialist organisations across Australia will use this funding to provide support for abuse survivors distressed by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The services will be specifically targeted towards people with disability, Indigenous Australians or those who suffered abuse in religious organisations.

“Ten of these specialist organisations will deliver services such as counselling, support and case management,” Minister Andrews said.

“In addition, the Healing Foundation–which supports culturally strong, locally run Indigenous healing programs and funds education and research on Indigenous healing–will work to coordinate and build the cultural competence of all services.

“Work is still under way to fund organisations in the Northern Territory to deliver specialist services for Indigenous people affected by the Royal Commission, and we anticipate finalising these services shortly.”