National apology to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse
In late October 2018, the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, delivered the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse at Parliament House in Canberra.
This announcement followed a comprehensive two-month national consultation process that includes 58 face-to-face sessions and over 400 written submissions provided to the National Apology Reference Group.
The apology serves a timely reminder on the role GPs play in the prevention, early identification, follow-up and support for people who experience abuse and violence, including child sexual abuse. The physical and psychological health consequences are substantial for victims, survivors, families and carers.
Abuse and violence – Working with our patients in general practice offers health practitioners evidence-based guidance on appropriate identification and response in clinical practice to patients experiencing abuse and violence.