Drummond Street Services applauds the Victorian government’s announcement today of a redress scheme for victims of historical abuse and neglect in institutional care.
This day is monumental for survivors, it is one day that many would not have expected to see in their lifetime, and is the culmination of the many, many days and years survivors have advocated for justice for care leavers.
The state government’s promise to allocate $2.9 million to co-designing the scheme with survivors themselves, covering the period between 1928 and 1990, will be life changing and will give some relief, justice and validation to many survivors who have felt silenced and forgotten.
We believe the government’s promise to make a formal apology in parliament if re-elected will be welcomed by many who suffered, as well as their loved ones.
Disability Activist, Drummond Street Service’s board member and care leaver survivor, Margherita Coppolino was delighted by the news.
“Finally forgotten Australian and care leavers in Victoria are going to get the acknowledgement, apologies and redress they deserve. Thank you for listening and recognising our need for validation and justice and redress”
Karen Field, CEO of Drummond Street Services said
“We should never forget the historical harms that have occurred for far too many Victorian children, and we see the enduring impacts in our services and sectors today. Justice for survivors is critical for recovery and today, and every day – we acknowledge the strength and resilience of all survivors despite what they have endured.
Nobody should ever have to face harm and neglect, especially in state care. This is long overdue and we look forward to continuing to work with survivors and survivor advocates in their redress process.”
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