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Redress

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Redress

The Anglican Diocese of Perth has joined the Commonwealth Government’s National Redress Scheme.

The Anglican Diocese of Perth has joined the Commonwealth Government’s National Redress Scheme, which is legislated to operate until 30 June 2028. The National Redress Scheme is in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The Anglican Diocese of Perth introduced its own formal Redress Scheme in 2004 (Pastoral Care and Assistance Process) and has been working with survivors to provide redress in recognition for the harm that has been done. This includes monetary payments, access to counselling and psychological care and a direct personal response in the form of an apology.

This has now been supplemented by the Commonwealth Government’s National Redress Scheme which was introduced in late 2018 and the State Government of Western Australia changing the law regarding the statute of limitations which came into effect at the beginning of 2019.

These changes now provide for three avenues for survivors to seek redress:

  • Anglican Diocese of Perth Pastoral Care and Assistance Scheme
  • National Redress Scheme and
  • in some cases, civil litigation.

The provision of redress is an important component to meeting the needs of survivors. We recognise that child abuse or sexual misconduct has a significant impact on a person’s life. In addition, making a disclosure takes great courage and it is our aim to ensure that the best possible care focused initiatives are extended to all claimants of sexual abuse and misconduct.

A detailed explanation and the policy for responding to and managing complaints of abuse and misconduct is available from the Director of Professional Standards.

If you have suffered abuse or have any concerns about things you may have witnessed or heard, please contact:

Safe Ministry:
Ph: (08) 9425 7200
Email: screenings@perth.anglican.org
GPO Box W2067, Perth WA 6846

If the abuse is current, please contact:

  • Child Abuse Unit on 9428 1500
  • WA Police on 131 444 or attend your local Police Station

If you require immediate intervention, please contact:

  • Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) 9340 1828 or 1800 199 888;
  • Lifeline 13 11 14;
  • The Samaritans on 9381 5725;
  • Kids Help Line (24hr) on 1800 55 1800;
  • Crisis Care on 9223 1111 (Perth) or 1800 199 008 (for callers outside Perth)

The Anglican Diocese of Perth is committed to Safe Ministry.

Our Apology

Apology delivered by The Right Reverend Jeremy James tssf, Assistant Bishop of Perth, at the Vigil in St George’s Cathedral on Monday 22 October 2018 in response to the National Apology to the Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.

We know that abuse that has been perpetrated by people known and trusted in the Church has had a devastating impact.

On behalf of the Archbishop and the Anglican Church in Perth I apologise to all survivors of abuse at the hands of people who they trusted and relied on within the Church. We believe you. We are sorry.

God bless the children and young people of our communities.
Bless them with families full of love,
schools that nourish and stretch them,
faith communities that treasure and teach them,
friends that grow with them.
Send the spark of your Spirit to guide them
as they grow into maturity
and begin to take their place as citizens among us.
Watch over the vulnerable children:
those with illness or disability,
those who live with poverty or disadvantage.
Give your wisdom and compassion
to all who work in child protection,
foster care, youth justice and child advocacy.
When children are suffering or at risk,
may they always be heard and believed.
Teach every one of us to be alert to their needs and their safety,
finding ways for all of them to flourish and shine.

May we gladly receive our children’s gifts
of love, faith, creativity and joy,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.