More Rights for Indigenous Children who are victims of Abuse

The need for social change in relation to the treatment of indigenous female sexual assault victims is great. Support and advocacy services need to be established for indigenous assault victims and their families to help cope with such a traumatic event such as rape.

The issue of child sexual assault within indigenous communities needs to be highlighted and brought to the public’s attention via education and campaigns.

In reaction to the QLD gang rape case, Amnesty International Australia is campaigning to the Federal Government for a National Plan of Action and is calling on the Government to:

•Ensure the national council to oversee the national plan includes indigenous representation
•Develop a national plan to ensure prosecutors, judges and other personnel are adequately trained in dealing with issues of sexual violence
•Consider the implementation of specialist sexual assault courts, in which child survivors are provided with an advocate.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his Government have committed to developing a national action plan and have taken a zero tolerance approach to violence against Aboriginal Children. However, until this National Plan of Action becomes legislation, the state judicial systems can continue to violate the human rights of indigenous children who are victims of assault.

By signing this petition, Aboriginal children who are victims of sexual abuse and assult can recieve the support and services they so desperatly need and highlight the States and Federal Governments neglect of human rights and call for the development of a National Plan of Action.