Today marks ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Survivors’ Day which aims to acknowledge the harm caused to victim-survivors of sexual assault and institutional abuse.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Survivors’ Day shines a light on the advocacy of victim-survivors.
“³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Survivors’ Day provides an opportunity to recognise the strength and resilience of all victim-survivors, their loved ones and the whistleblowers who have bravely spoken out to stop other people from being abused,” Premier Rockliff said.
“It is also a reminder to remember those who were impacted by abuse and are no longer with us. We pay respect to your memory, and to your family members and friends.”
The day also aims to destigmatise child sexual abuse and improve responses to survivors and those impacted by abuse.
“Without the courage of victim-survivors and whistleblowers to speak up, we would not have had the Commission of Inquiry,” Premier Rockliff said.
“We will continue to listen to the expertise of victim-survivors, their families and supporters.”
The final report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings was tabled in Parliament on 26 September 2023, making 191 recommendations and 75 findings.
The Tasmanian Government has implemented 44 of these recommendations, along with 22 interim actions announced before the Commission provided its final report.
The Government has also partnered with Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS), Laurel House, Relationships Australia Tasmania and Lifeline to ensure that people have access to a range of supports, including specialist therapeutic counselling; general counselling, referral, and information; and crisis support.
“We continue to liaise with these services about community need and their resourcing requirements to ensure Tasmanians who need support and help can access it,” Premier Rockliff said.
