Abuse committee calls for submissions
THE committee charged with investigating the handling of child abuse by religious groups has called for submissions from the public. The parliamentary inquiry, set up to consider how religious and other non-government organisations respond to allegations of child abuse by members of their organisations, is seeking information about the reporting practices of these groups – including whether outing suspected criminals is systematically discouraged.
THE committee charged with investigating the handling of child abuse by religious groups has called for submissions from the public.
The parliamentary inquiry, set up to consider how religious and other non-government organisations respond to allegations of child abuse by members of their organisations, is seeking information about the reporting practices of these groups – including whether outing suspected criminals is systematically discouraged.
President of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria Rabbi Yaakov Glasman said it was an obligation under Jewish law for individuals to report incidents of criminal abuse. “The Rabbinical Council of Victoria reiterates its clear and unequivocal position on responding to allegations of child sexual abuse within both religious and non-religious institutions in the Jewish community.
“It is not only permitted but halachically obligatory to report such allegations directly to the relevant authorities and any attempt to intimidate victims who wish to come forward is antithetical to Jewish law,” he said.
Whether a submission by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) would substantially inform the inquiry was still unclear, said JCCV president Nina Bassat.
“We will take advice as to whether we should put in a representative submission on behalf of the community or whether other organisations have greater knowledge and understanding of this area and wish to make their own submissions,” she said.
Bassat said the JCCV was currently formulating its child abuse policy, which would be put before the executive for discussion in the near future. “In addition, it is proposed that the JCCV will bring together our affiliate organisations, rabbis and educators to discuss the issue of child abuse in our community.”
The committee, due to report to state Parliament by April 2013, has the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and to make recommendations for changes to law.
LIVIA ALBECK-RIPKA
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