LOCAL residents who experienced institutional child sexual abuse and their supporters are invited to gather at a ceremonial event in Mount Gambier to mark the National Apology this month.
The event, held in partnership with Mount Gambier City Council, will include the broadcast of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s apology in Parliament House on October 22.
The State Government will also deliver an apology to acknowledge and apologise for the institutional failures in South Australia.
Child Protection Minister Rachel Sanderson said the events provided individuals, families and supporters and opportunity to come together and have their experiences recognised by the entire country.
“We recognise the long-term impacts this abuse has had on the psychological, physical and emotional wellbeing of so many,” she said.
“The State Government is committed to providing recognition and access to justice for those who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse and takes responsibility for the abuse that occurred in state-run institutions.”
The event will be held at the Mount Gambier Library from 9.30am to 12.15pm on October 22.
The national and state apologies are being delivered in response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and are in line with the start of phase two of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017.
Support will be available on the day for anyone who experiences distress at an event.
