The Government of South Australia has this week joined the National Redress Scheme, which provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
The Scheme was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 people experienced institutional child sexual abuse in Australia.
From 1 February, 2019, people who were abused in South Australian government institutions are eligible for redress under the Scheme. The Scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years.
People who experienced institutional child sexual abuse that occurred in South Australian non-government institutions (such as church bodies, charities and community organisations) that have declared their participation in the Scheme may also apply to access redress.
The NRS website publishes a list of institutions that have also committed to join the Scheme.
Redress is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts. The Scheme can provide three things:
- access to counselling
- a payment
- a direct personal response from the institution (e.g. an apology) for people who want it.
Free and confidential Redress Support Services are available throughout the process and can help explain the Scheme and who can apply, which includes knowmore.
knowmore legal service is a national, free, independent and confidential community legal centre providing legal information, advice, representation and referrals, education and systemic advocacy for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
knowmore was established in 2013 to provide free legal assistance to people engaging with the Royal Commission.
From its inception, knowmore has delivered multi-disciplinary, trauma-informed and culturally safe legal services to survivors of child sexual abuse across Australia.