WAGGA support services have backed a new Bill set to improve institutional child abuse survivors' ability to get compensation.
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The new reforms hope to "provide clearer pathways" for survivors in getting justice, according Attorney General Mark Speakman who introduced the reforms to NSW Parliament this week.
"We know from the harrowing accounts heard by the Royal Commission that many survivors, often suffering significant trauma, felt they had no choice but to accept inadequate settlements due to legal technicalities preventing them from suing responsible institutions," he said.
"This Bill will give the courts the power to set aside certain settlement agreements for sexual abuse, serious physical abuse other connected abuse and enable survivors to access the civil justice they deserve."
In response to the Royal Commission's recommendations, the NSW Government introduced reforms in 2016 and 2018 removing barriers for survivors seeking civil justice. These included eliminating limitation periods for child abuse claims and abolishing the legal technicalities that allowed some institutions to avoid civil liability.
Today's Civil Liability Amendment (Child Abuse) Bill 2021 will allow survivors impacted by these legal barriers to have the same access to justice as those who brought a claim after the Government's 2016 and 2018 reforms.
The Bill will also remove restrictions on personal injury claims for survivors of child abuse that occurred in custody.
TEND Wagga's child and adolescent sexual assault counsellor Serena Graham said adequate compensation is vital as it provides survivors with the opportunity to access specialist services.
"It give victims and survivors options and choice, and those are imperative in healing," she said.
Ms Graham added that it was never too late, both personally and legally, for a survivor to seek compensation.
"It acknowledges that childhood trauma is a lifelong journey of healing," she said.
"As always it is imperative that if someone discloses to yourself or others that they are a survivor, you believe them and you encourage them to seek support."
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