The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
It was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 people experienced institutional child sexual abuse in Australia.
Redress is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts. The National Redress Scheme can provide three things:
access to counselling;
a Redress payment; and
a direct personal response from the institution (e.g. an apology) for people who want it.
The Scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years.
Anglican Deaconess Ministries was declared by the Minister as a participating institution in the National Redress Scheme from 16 September 2020.
Free and confidential Redress Support Services are available for anyone applying for, or considering applying for redress. These services are confidential and can help explain the Scheme and who can apply.
For more information on the National Redress Scheme, visit www.nationalredress.gov.au or call 1800 737 377.