REDLANDS women who experienced sexual abuse as a child will receive greater support after the federal government pledged $11.7 million to National Redress Scheme.
The scheme was launched in 2018 to help people who were abused as children access support services like counselling and a redress payment.
It came after a Royal Commission heard thousands of accounts of abuse at orphanages, children's homes, schools, churches and other religious organisations, sports clubs, hospitals, foster care and other institutions.
Minister for Families Anne Ruston said the funding would increase the outreach of redress support services like the Centre Against Sexual Violence at Cleveland, who provide free, confidential practical and emotional support to people before, during and after applying to the Scheme.
CASV redress counsellor Miranda Clarke said the scheme's application process had a significant impact on survivors.
"Going through the scheme has been a challenging and emotional journey for the women we have supported however it has also provided opportunity for reflection and healing," she said.
Ms Clarke said the CASV could also provide referrals to men to access the scheme's support services.
"In supporting people with the redress process it is important to move through at the survivor's pace, ensure that they feel safe and have access to free legal and financial advice," she said.
"We are hoping to support as many people as possible through the scheme so they do not have to go on this journey alone."
The Centre Against Sexual Violence is located at 165 Bloomfield Street, Cleveland.
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