Latest from Australia - Victoria child protection in crisis: report

by sizemik 23 Replies latest watchtower child-abuse

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  steve2

  Excellent development. Thanks Sizemilk for the update and by extension especially Steven Unthank.

  It has rightly put the focus on religious groups' handling of child abuse within their ranks.

  I have a hunch that, sooner or later, the Watchtower will "refine" more explicitly its policies on the topic. Yes, they will do so in a way that absolves them of any implication of past wrong-handling (ahem), but refine those archaic, pedophile-protecting policies they will. They will put the most positive, self-aggrandizing spin on the refinement. But I can live with that because it could potentially lead to the greater protection of children in kingdom halls.

  This is truly one area where the "secular" authorities are way ahead of churches such as JWs in terms of moral and ethical responsibilities to children. Talk about worldy, secular laws shaping religious laws for the potential betterment of children!
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  wha happened?

  it's a loophole that has to be closed legally. Here in the states, it has. A confession has to be to another individual in confidence, and there can't be any sanction as a result of it. The 3 elder meeting and the results getting sent to NY, with an announcement at a meeting as a sanction, does not meet the qualifications of ecclesiastical priviledge. But that's here. That has to be determined out there as well to have teeth
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  mind blown

  Here's another great result as of today in Australia 3/01/2012:

  http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/minister-flayed-for-gaffe-on-abusers/story-e6frgczx-1226285563374

  Minister flayed for gaffe on abusers

  A MINISTERIAL gaffe where the rights of pedophiles were compared with those of victims yesterday triggered the intervention of Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu a day after a report found that a quarter of children could be suspected of having been abused.

  "One of the things that is a real issue here is that we have to balance the rights of children and families and also with the rights of pedophiles," she told 3AW.

  Ms Wooldridge was criticised by welfare workers and attacked in parliament over the comment.

  Mr Baillieu told parliament that protecting vulnerable children was the government's highest priority and vowed a swift response to the Cummins inquiry, which released its report on Tuesday.

  Mr Baillieu said the government would examine whether laws suppressing sex offenders' indentities should be repealed.

  "I want to emphasise again that this process will be an urgent one, so that ministers will be in a position to take a decision on policy as soon as possible," Mr Baillieu said.

  Australian Childhood Foundation chief executive Joe Tucci questioned Ms Wooldridge's comments, saying the community needed to know how to protect children. "The community expects children to be the No 1 priority, not sex offenders," Dr Tucci said

  ****************************************************************************

  Too bad the WTS out of moral principle alone, doesn't take this view or stand..

  So much for holy spirit. Instead of the GB taking care flock years ago with reform, they will wait till they are forced to take action also in the US. Disgusting indeed. The world shows more respect and protection for children then the GB........
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  sizemik

  Thanks for the link mind blown . . .

  The Victorian Premier, Ted Baillieu is certainly talking with determination and purpose which is heartening. A politician of this calibre with the bit between his teeth is right on cue . . . and exactly what is needed. I would not be surprised if mandatory reporting becomes law with criminal liability and heavy penalties for offenders (failure to report).

  For any who are interested in reading parts of the report . . . you can find it here in full.
• 

  sizemik

  A relevant section under recommendations . . .

  The glaring error lies in the exemption for confession. I understand that this exemption no longer exists in UK or some USA legislation. If anyone could point me in the right direction? . . . I'd like to find it.

  ________________________________________________

  47. The Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) should be amended to create a separate reporting duty where there is a reasonable suspicion a child or young person who is under 18 is being, or has been, physically or sexually abused by an individual within a religious or spiritual organisation.

  The duty should extend to:

  - A minister of religion; and

  - A person who holds an office within, is employed by, is a member of, or a volunteer of a religious or spiritual organisation that provides services to, or has regular contact with, children and young people.

  An exemption for information received during the rite of confession should be made. A failure to report should attract a suitable penalty having regard to section 326 of the Crimes Act 1958 and section 493 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005.
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  sizemik

  bttt
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  The Quiet One

  Google Criminal Justice (Withholding Information on Crimes Against Children and Vulnerable Adults) Bill 2011.. http://www.alanshatter.ie/?p=2559
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  The Quiet One

  http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/kfqlojgbauql/rss2/
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  The Quiet One

  http://findlaw.co.uk/law/criminal/other_crime_and_justice_topics/500504.html
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  sizemik

  Cheers TQO for getting me started . . . just what I'm looking for.