Sex abuse claims flood centre for commission

UP TO 60 people from the Geelong region have made submissions to Australia’s royal commission into child sex abuse, according to a counselling body in the city.
Barwon Centre Against Sexual Assault head Helen Bolton said a “huge influx” of people had sought the centre’s support to lodge their cases with the inquiry.
“The royal commission in clergy and other abuse has been a major issue for us,” Ms Bolton said.
“We’ve seen people in their 60s and 70s who haven’t disclosed anything ever in their life.
“For some people it’s been therapeutic, the support helps, for others there are different problems but these are incredibly resilient people.
“We have the greatest respect for survivors. They’ve shown great tenacity, strength and courage.’’
Ms Bolton said the centre had assisted between 50 and 60 people from across the region.
She said determining the precise numbers of people in the region who were abused would be difficult.
Some had moved out of the area and others had moved into the region, Ms Bolton said.
Most of the alleged victims were aged between 35 and 70 years.
Ms Bolton said the centre had begun a men’s group of abuse victims, which was now operating self-sufficiently.
The centre would work on setting up more groups for men over the next 12 weeks, she said.
“It’s been incredibly powerful. These guys had felt isolated, they felt they were the only ones.
“There’s a lot of stigma but now they’re supporting one another and quite proud of who they are today. We’d love to receive new referrals.”’
Ms Bolton urged abused men and women to contact Barwon Centre Against Sexual Assault by visiting 291 Latrobe Tce or phone 5222 4318. The centre also operates a 24-hour crisis line on 1800 806 292.