Theme 2: Supporting and empowering victims and survivors
This content was initially created in 2022. Some information may no longer be current including titles of Ministers and Commonwealth Government Departments. You can find a list of current appointments on the Directory website.
The language we use has also changed from the initial terminology in the National Strategy. For a full list of the terminology we use, see our Glossary of terms page.
The effects of child sexual abuse can be cumulative, complex and long-lasting.
It can affect people’s:
- mental and physical health
- relationships
- sexual identity, gender identity and sexual behaviour
- spiritual and cultural connection
- education
- employment
- financial security.
You can learn more about the impacts of child sexual abuse in institutional contexts on the Royal Commission website.
Victims and survivors need access to trauma-informed help from a range of services during their lives and as their needs change. People who have helped them may also need support, such as:
- secondary victims
- family members, kin and carers
- witnesses to the abuse
- teachers and other school workers – including student support officers
The focus of Australian Government measures
Trauma-informed services can improve victims and survivors’ wellbeing and quality of life. They can
also help interrupt cycles of trauma.
Measures under this theme will:
- support healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims and survivors, their families, kin and community
- enhance victims and survivors’ access to the national specialist trauma-informed legal service
- set up an online chat service to give children and young people at risk or experiencing child sexual abuse free legal advice
- look at ways to improve the availability of civil remedies for victims of Commonwealth child sexual abuse offences
- support sexual assault services across the Primary Health Networks to better work together.
Working closely with the non-government sector
The non-government sector plays an important role in delivering support services. The Australian Government will continue to work with the non-government sector to make sure Australia’s services:
- are holistic
- work together
- are accessible
- meet the needs of victims and survivors.
The measures
7. Develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing approaches
Overview
The National Indigenous Australians Agency will partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts. Together, they will develop healing approaches that:
- are co-designed with and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- are place-based
- complement the specialist support service system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
Royal Commission Recommendation
Recommendation 9.2 from the Final Report
Lead Australian Government Department
National Indigenous Australians Agency
8. Expand the national specialist trauma-informed legal service
Overview
The Attorney-General’s Department will fund an independent national service that will provide free legal advice to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
The service will provide information about available justice, compensation and redress options.
Royal Commission Recommendation
Recommendation 9.4 from the Final Report
Lead Australian Government Department
Attorney-General’s Department
9. Set up an online chat service to deliver free legal assistance services to children and young people experiencing or at risk of harm (including sexual abuse)
Overview
The Attorney-General’s Department will fund a new online chat service that delivers free legal services to children and young people (under 25 years old). This service will particularly be for children and young people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, sexual abuse.
Royal Commission Recommendation
Recommendation 9.4 from the Final Report
Lead Australian Government Department
Attorney-General’s Department
10. Develop options to improve civil remedies for victims of Commonwealth child sexual abuse offences
Overview
The Attorney-General's Department will complete a scoping study. The study will be used to develop options to improve the availability of civil remedies for victims of Commonwealth child sexual abuse offences.
The study may look at how to improve the use of reparation orders under the Crimes Act 1914. It may also look at the feasibility of a Commonwealth Victims of Crime Compensation scheme.
Royal Commission Recommendation
Overall intent of the Criminal Justice Report
Lead Australian Government Department
Attorney-General’s Department
11. Improve how sexual assault services work together through Primary Health Networks
Overview
The Department of Health and Aged Care will look at ways to support the development of Primary Health Network models. The aim will be to support local primary care services, sexual assault services and other support services to better work together to meet the needs of victims and survivors.
Royal Commission Recommendation
Recommendation 9.7 from the Final Report
Lead Australian Government Department
Department of Health and Aged Care
12. Make sure support services for victims and survivors in immigration detention remain available
Overview
The Department of Home Affairs will make sure its contracted health service provider continues to provide victim and survivor support services within immigration detention.
Royal Commission Recommendation
Recommendation 15.13 from the Final Report
Lead Australian Government Department
Department of Home Affairs