Following the recent inquest into the death of a thirty-four-year-old man who was shot and dismembered by his eighteen-year-old stepdaughter, who he had sexually abused for 4 years, in 2008 the coroner recommended that the Education Department improve training to teachers to be better able to recognise child sex abuse.

It is estimated that the occurrence of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Australia may be as high as one in three women and one in six men. Disclosing the experience of childhood sexual abuse is a difficult and complex process that is often delayed with some research indicating that just 30% of child abuse victims disclose during childhood.

The figures relating to Child Sexual Abuse are alarming high and give weight to the Victorian State Coroner’s recommendation. Perhaps compulsory screening should also be considered as part of the overall strategy to detect child abuse early.

For victims support and advice call 1800 000 055 or go to www.victimsofcrime.com.au

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