Research suggests strong connection to culture can help protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from institutional sexual abuse

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has released a new research report that suggests strong connection to culture can help protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from sexual abuse in institutions.

The research report by Telethon Kids Institute, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and sexual abuse in institutional contexts, explains how the impacts of past discriminatory policies and ongoing systemic racism continue to put Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children at heightened risk of institutional child sexual abuse today.

However, the report cites a growing body of Australian and international evidence that positive connection to culture acts as a protective factor. It can help children develop their identities, foster positive self-esteem, emotional strength and resilience and increase the number of people around them who love and care for them.

Read the full media release and download the report at the Royal Commission's website.