Knowmore supporting people taking the National Redress Scheme journey

The National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) was established in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Knowmore, a national legal service, has established a team to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to understand the Scheme.

The team provides free, confidential and independent legal advice and practical assistance to people in a supportive and culturally safe environment. Auntie Glendra Stubbs is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Advisor at Knowmore.

She said that for some people, this may be their first time coming forward with their story.

‘Knowmore understands that sharing your story and getting support can help with your healing,’ Auntie Glendra said.

‘We have people that have cultural knowledge and can help you along your journey.’

Under the Scheme, that journey might include counselling, a Direct Personal Response (where the responsible institution acknowledges what happened and says sorry for the abuse) and a redress payment.

‘You can expect that when you come to Knowmore you will be listened to and be respected,’ Auntie Glendra said.

’We have offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth and we regularly visit other states and territories, including regional and remote areas.’

The National Redress Scheme commenced on 1 July 2018 to:

• acknowledge that many children were sexually abused in Australian institutions, such as churches, schools, charities and ‘care’ homes
• hold institutions accountable for the abuse
• help people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse gain access to counselling, a direct personal response and a redress payment.

Redress Support Services are available to provide free practical and emotional support to people before, during and after they apply for redress.