The Truth, Justice and Healing Council was established by the Catholic Church to help the Church fully embrace the Australian Government’s Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The Council assists the Church deal with the tragic legacy of child sexual abuse and help victims and survivors to be heard and supported.

The Royal Commission is an opportunity for the Church to explain the way it has treated victims and survivors, to acknowledge past wrongs and failings and to find ways in which to work towards justice and healing for all.

Importantly, it is an opportunity for victims and survivors of sexual abuse to come forward and be heard in an environment of support and safety.

The Truth, Justice and Healing Council represents dioceses, archdioceses and religious congregations from across Australia before the Royal Commission.

The Council works with the Church to ensure a spirit of openness, transparency and compassion as it cooperates with the Royal Commission.

Our lawyers are instructed to treat victims with respect and consideration and to be open and transparent with the Commission.

Members of the the Truth, Justice and Healing Council

The Council is developing new policies to protect young people in the future and to help the Church responds to any future complaints appropriately and justly, putting the needs of victims and survivors first.

Since the mid-1990s the Church has made many improvements and put in place new procedures designed to prevent sexual abuse and to see victims and survivors are treated with dignity and respect.

These improvements will be built upon as we learn more from victims and survivors who come forward to the Royal Commission and as the Council undertakes its own research and policy development.