New Zealand day of prayer for victims of abuse and violence
New Zealand's Catholic bishops have designated the first Friday of Lent next year (March 3) as a day of prayer and penance for victims of abuse and violence in New Zealand.
This day would acknowledge the impact of such abuse and violence, both by members of the Church family, but also everywhere it occurs throughout New Zealand.
The past 12 months have been a big year for the Church as we continue to engage with the Royal Commission and develop new policies and approaches to the protection of children and vulnerable adults in our parishes, schools, hospitals and welfare agencies.
When the Commission was announced in 2012 by then Prime Minister Gillard no one thought it would be still running at the end of 2016, let alone with another year still to go.
Last week the Attorney-General, George Brandis announced the 15-member Commonwealth Independent Advisory Council on Redress.
The Council will provide expert advice to the Commonwealth as it designs and implements a national redress scheme for the survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
Francis Sullivan, who has been appointed to the Council, said this is an important step in establishing a nation redress scheme.
Commission research on safety of young people in residential care
The Royal Commission has released a new research report exploring children and young people's views about their safety in residential care.
Most of the children and young people who participated in the research described feeling unsafe in residential care due to bullying, harassment and the threat of sexual assault.
The Royal Commission has released a statement thanking the community for its continuing support and important contribution to its work in 2016.
The statement also provides information on the operation of its call centre which will remain open during the holiday season with the exception of public holidays.
No comments:
Post a Comment