News
Sexual abuse of minors by Royal Australian Navy should be investigated
17th Apr 2014
The Australian Lawyers Alliance calls on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to hold an open hearing into the allegations of decades of sexual abuse of minors at HMAS Leeuwin.
“Whilst we accept that not every institution or allegation can be fully and publicly explored, the response of the Royal Australian Navy and Commonwealth government are of great significance to hundreds and perhaps thousands of complaints,” said Dr Andrew Morrison SC.
In particular, it is important because the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) has refused medical and other support to many victims because their complaints were not made at the time.
“We know from surveys and from the evidence to the Royal Commission that the time from abuse to complaint is usually over 20 years,” said Dr Morrison.
The conduct of the Commonwealth as a self styled model litigant, bears close investigation in these circumstances.
“Open hearings in appropriate cases such as this, give solace to victims and promote necessary cultural change.”
Further information can also be seen in an article on the ABC.
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