New free legal advisory service, knowmore was launched today by the Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus as an important resource for advice and support for people seeking to engage with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The service will be able to provide expert, free legal advice over the phone and in face-to-face meetings in key locations for members of the public considering speaking with the Royal Commission.
knowmore Executive Officer Jenny Hardy said that the team was on hand to answer calls and any questions people might have about the Royal Commission and related issues such as availability of compensation, the effect of confidentiality agreements and witness/informant protections.
“Our job is to help people understand all their options for engaging with the Royal Commission so they can make an informed decision and feel supported in that process. We will make sure they are given high quality legal advice and supported to access any other help they might need.
“We have assembled an expert team of community lawyers and counsellors/social workers who are experienced in working with survivors of sexual abuse and people who have experienced trauma.
“The Royal Commission is a unique opportunity to investigate how institutions and governments can better protect children, and put in place measures to make sure the failures of the past are not repeated.
“We know that this will be a difficult process for many people but we want them to know that whoever they are or whatever their experience, we are here to help them with information, advice and support.
“We are committed to providing culturally safe and accessible services to anyone who seeks our help,” Ms Hardy said.
The service is now open. Anyone interested in speaking with knowmore can call the free advice line on 1800 605 762 between 9am-5pm EST.
knowmore is an independent legal service established by the National Association of Community Legal Centres Inc (NACLC), with funding from the Australian Government represented by the Attorney-General’s Department.
Media contact: Anaya Latter on 0432 121 636 or Jackie Hanafie on 0410 631 404