The commission was contacted by more than 15,000 survivors who detailed claims of child abuse involving churches, orphanages, sporting clubs, youth groups and schools, often dating back decades. In total, more than 4,000 institutions were accused of abuse, with many of them Catholic-managed facilities. “Tens of thousands of children have been sexually abused in many Australian institutions. “Some institutions have had multiple abusers who sexually abused multiple children,” it said. Among the 17-volume report’s recommendations was the creation of a National Office for Child Safety, and for religious ministers to be required to report abuse confided to them during confession.

Source: Manila Times December 15, 2017 03:33 UTC