Child sex abuse victims in Aus entertainment industry urged to come forward
An investigation into child sex abuse within the entertainment industry is currently underway.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse issued a press release this morning, urging anyone who has experienced, or has information regarding, child sexual abuse in the entertainment industry to come forward.
The Royal Commission has included television networks, film and television production companies, theatrical production companies, dance, drama and performing arts schools or colleges, casting agencies and any public of private organisation involved in entertainment in its scope.
In a statement emailed to TMN, a Royal Commission spokesperson said: "The Royal Commission is aware of instances of child sexual abuse by people working in the entertainment industry. The Royal Commission is seeking assistance from people in the community who may have other information about instances of abuse."
Advertisements will be run in Sydney and Melbourne metro newspapers as well as on industry publications, including The Music Network.
Royal Commission CEO Philip Reed said: “Anyone thinking of coming forward should be rest assured that the confidentiality of their information will be protected.”
The request for information follows a UK investigation into the entertainment industry. The UK’s National Police Chiefs’ Council announced in May that it had named 43 music industry professionals as part of its child abuse investigation unit, Operation Hydrant.
Rolf Harris, who is widely known for his Top 10 ARIA songTie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport, isthe most high-profile figure to have been convicted of crimes since UK police launched its inquiry into celebrity sex crimes. Harriswas charged with 13 child sex offences in August last year.
Harris is serving a five year and nine month prison sentence in Britain following conviction of 12 counts of indecent assault against four women aged between eight-years-old and 19. 20 more women have contacted Sydney-based firm Slater and Gordon Lawyers with sexual abuse accusations.
The Australian government formed the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2013 following reports that institutions weren’t reporting crimes of sexual abuse. It was discovered that instead of reporting acts of child abuse many religious and educational institutions were moving employees to other institutions and orgnaisations.
You can contact the Royal Commission via: Phone: 1800 099 340, Email: [email protected], or Mail: GPO Box 5283, Sydney NSW 2001.