"Hearing perspectives on support services and healing
The Inquiry has now wrapped up a series of roundtable discussions with victim-survivors and secondary victims, representatives from government and experts from service sectors to further explore the key themes and issues of our work. Discussions focused on ways to support healing and the effectiveness and appropriateness of support services available.
We extend our gratitude to all who participated in these informative, compassionate and constructive discussions that will help shape the Inquiry’s thinking in relation to any recommendations we may make to government.
Submissions and private sessions conclude
Today marks an important milestone for the Inquiry, as we conclude private sessions and receive final submissions as part of our information-gathering phase.
We pay special acknowledgment to victim-survivors and secondary victims who have bravely shared their experiences and insights with us.
The focus of the Inquiry now turns to deliberating our findings, and the delivery of our report to government by 28 February 2024.
Individuals who still wish to make a submission have until 5pm today, Friday 15 December to do so.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us on (03) 8301 0102 or email contact@beaumarisinquiry.vic.gov.au.
Phone line closed over holiday period
The Inquiry will continue its work over the Christmas and New Year period, but please be aware that our phone line ((03) 8301 0102) will be closed over the following days:
From 5pm Friday 22 December to 9am Wednesday 27 December
From 5pm Friday 29 December to 9am Tuesday 2 January
If you or someone you know needs support in this period, please contact the Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24-hour support) on 1800 806 292 or Lifeline on 13 11 14."
https://www.beaumarisinquiry.vic.gov.au
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Although Christmas and the summer holidays are meant to be a happy and joyful time, this isn't how everyone feels at this time of the year.
Christmas can be a stressful and depressing time for many people. The emphasis on family, friends and shared good times during the 'festive season' can make people who are isolated and struggling, feel depressed, forgotten and unloved. It can be a time when the loss of beloved family members and friends are most sharply felt.
We echo the message of the Board of Inquiry, do reach out and connect with people, services and supports during this time, and anytime.
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We are grateful the Board of Inquiry has welcomed the wealth of compelling supporting evidence and recommendations we have provided, on why the Victorian government should implement what our petition is seeking, for close to two years now.
Given the continuing silence from the Victorian government, we are communicating with members of the Australian federal government, Catherine King MP, Federal Member for Ballarat, Josh Burns, Federal Member for Macnamara, Amanda Rishworth, Federal Minister for Social Services, and Mark Butler MP, Federal Minister for Health.
The relevant recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, 9.1, the Victorian Government has failed to implement as recommended, does acknowledge the provision of accessible, relevant and comprehensive services and supports through 'one door', requires the collaboration of Federal and State governments.
We'll keep you updated on responses from the federal government.
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Thank you for the amazing support of our petition to the tune of:
- 16,328 supporters
- 2,125 petition shares
- 184 promoters, who have contributed an extraordinary total of $15,991.46 to-date
- Countless messages and comments of encouragement, support, care and kindness
We remain so grateful to every single one of our supporters. We are stronger together.