30 November 2013

CEO of the Truth Justice and Healing Council has written to more than 1,500 Catholic priests and women and men from religious orders across Australia encouraging support for the activities of Blue Knot Day and the possibility of recovery for the victims of child sexual abuse.

Blue Knot Day and other activities will conclude this Sunday (3 November). The week’s activities are part of an annual awareness campaign coordinated by the victims of child sexual abuse group, Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma.

Mr Sullivan said Blue Knot day is an important event that focuses on the damage done to victims of child sexual abuse.

“This year’s Blue Knot activities are focused on recovery and spreading the message to both survivors and all community members that with the right care and support, recovery is possible,” Mr Sullivan said.

“It is important all members of the community, and particularly members of the Catholic Church, do whatever we can to help victims and survivors.

“Within the Church that could range from individual parishioners saying a silent prayer, to Church leaders and authorities acting to strengthen the protection of children, and to ensure victims are heard, believed and treated with justice,” he said.

The Truth Justice and Healing Council was established by the Catholic Church to coordinate the Church’s engagement with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Media contact: Michael Salmon 0417 495 018

For more information on the Truth Justice and Healing Council go to: www.tjhcouncil.org.au
For more information on the Royal Commission go to: http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/