Law Reform Committee Inquiry Into Sexting Report May 2013

On 29th May 2013, the Law Reform Committee of the Victorian Parliament tabled its report on the Inquiry into Sexting.  The report contains 14 recommendations.

Retired Bishop Geoffrey Robinson and Time for Catholic Spring and Vatican III

Retired Catholic Bishop Geoffrey Robinson has called for a 'Catholic Spring' to force the Vatican to respond to the issue of child sexual assault in a systemic manner.  Bishop Robinson was the architect of the Australian Towards Healing protocol introduced in every diocese in Australia except Melbourne.

Cardinal George Pell - Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry Into Child Abuse

It became clear when Pell was being questioned by the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry that he did not understand all the implications of his past actions.  In trying to support his colleagues, including Ridsdale, he has come over as unsupportive of victims.  Given his position this is unacceptable.  It adds to the impression that the Catholic Church does not put victims first.

Rape of Children

A 40 year old Malaysian man charged with raping a 12 year old has been allowed to marry her following paying her family compensation. Children deserve protection under the law of any country from rape.  Allowing her rapist to compensate her family and subsequently marry her is not an acceptable solution under any religious doctrine or country's laws.  Trafficking in children is forbidden around the world. This arrangement amounts to buying a child for sexual purposes disguised as marriage. 

Project Norma - Preventing the Sexual Assault of Older Women

Project Norma:Preventing the sexual assault of older women is a research project by The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at Melbourne University.  The researchers want to talk to women over 65 years of age about their experience of sexual assault in adulthood. Dr Catherine Barrett is in charge of the project.  She would value input from older women, family members if their older female relative is unable to talk for themselves due to dementia or illness and service providers who care for older women at home or in residential care.