Waks Welcomes Royal Commission
Alleged victim of sexual abuse Manny Waks has welcomed the Prime Minister’s recommendation for a Royal Commission into allegations of child sexual abuse.
Manny Waks at Yeshiva College in 1988
Manny Waks
Waks who is reported to have been abused when a pupil at a Melbourne Jewish school told J-Wire: “The announcement by the Prime Minister is a welcome development in obtaining justice for the many victims of child sexual abuse within religious institutions. There have been many unanswered questions and while the precise terms of reference are yet to be finalised, it is hoped that this process will identify precisely what happened so that (a) those responsible will be held to full account, and (b) we can ensure that such actions will not be repeated.
I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the Royal Commission.”
Today I have announced that I will be recommending to the Governor-General the establishment of a Royal Commission into institutional responses to instances and allegations of child sexual abuse in Australia.
The allegations that have come to light recently about child sexual abuse have been heartbreaking.
These are insidious, evil acts to which no child should be subject.
The individuals concerned deserve the most thorough of investigations into the wrongs that have been committed against them.
They deserve to have their voices heard and their claims investigated.
I believe a Royal Commission is the best way to do this.
The proposed terms of reference and proposed Commissioner will be submitted to the Governor‑General in due course, pursuant to the Royal Commissions Act 1902.
I will speak with relevant Premiers and Chief Ministers in coming days to discuss how the Royal Commission should relate to any current inquiries into similar matters currently proposed or underway in their jurisdictions. Discussions will also take place with victims’ groups, religious leaders, and community organisations.
The Attorney-General and the Minister for Families will co-ordinate this work on behalf of the Government in coming weeks.
Further announcements, including the proposed Commissioner and detailed terms of reference, will be made in coming weeks.
I commend the victims involved for having the courage to speak out.
I believe we must do everything we can to make sure that what has happened in the past is never allowed to happen again.
May this help with closure for all the victims
A Royal Commission will uncover the whole sordid truth no doubt.
The point is it won’t stop it most unfortunately. It will send it further underground
It will need a massive education programme for children.
These people have sick minds and there is no way to identify those minds
What chokes me, is the capacity of some religious institutions (well one at least) to cover-up what they have done.
Little did I know, when opening up my arms to embrace that faith, what I had to take on in their name.
With what has been revealed in the Inquiry my condolences must go to my brothers and sisters in Christ having to wear the shame long before me.
The Royal Commission has been welcomed by all.
Molesting children and teens is the most hideous crime leaving scares for a lifetime. The worst is the feeling of guilt, as often the victims are certain that they brought this calamity upon themselves and are too frightened to seek help.When they scrap the courage and are not believed this may lead to psyhoses and inability to have normal relations in adulthood. I hope that the findings of the Royal Commission will bring better understanding of the whole problem, bringing relief to the victims, even after many years and finding the ways of predicting possible offence and empowering the minors against the possible predators.