The AGE argues that the figures show the worst offender of child sexual abuse has been the Catholic Church. Church hierarchy must, with full transparency, introduce policies to prevent any more children and vulnerable others suffering such grotesque crimes.
Data was revealed on Monday as the royal commission resumed hearings that have been running for more than three years.
The figures show the worst offender has been the Catholic Church, the focus of as many as 16 of the commission's 50 hearings so far.
The fresh figures were compiled by the commission and analysed with the help of the Catholic Church's Truth, Justice and Healing Council, which is headed by a layperson, Francis Sullivan.
Gail Furness, counsel assisting the royal commission, revealed that more than one in five members of some Catholic religious orders were allegedly perpetrators of abuse.
Almost 4500 people have made claims of child sexual abuse by members of the Catholic Church over the past 35 years.
Every effort should be made by the church to redress these crimes. Most important, Mr Francis and the church hierarchy must, with full transparency, introduce policies to prevent any more children and vulnerable others suffering such grotesque crimes.
Knowledge can protect and empower children. We must do that, though, without causing them to be unduly fearful and distrustful of a world that can be beautiful, and without robbing them of innocent joy. There are many readily available resources - including advice from psychologists and early-childhood specialists - to help people sensitively manage this vital responsibility.
