Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Victorian Government Schools

Queries about historical sexual abuse from media, law firms and the community

On occasion, schools may receive queries or requests relating to historical child sexual abuse from media, law firms or members of the general community.

Media queries

If anyone from the media contacts the school for comment on allegations of historical child sexual abuse at the school or by a person who works or worked at the school, the principal must refer them to the Media Unit on 03 8688 7776 or media.unit@education.vic.gov.au

Legal queries

If a legal representative approaches the school or an individual staff member on behalf of a former student, the principal must contact the department’s Legal Division on 03 9637 3146.

If a school becomes aware that a social media post by a law firm has named the school in the context of child sexual abuse, the principal should contact the Restorative Engagement and Support team on:

• Phone: 03 9057 4500
• Email: REST@education.vic.gov.au

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will support the school with an appropriate response for their school community, refer to: Responding to media reports or new criminal proceedings about historical sexual abuse at a school.

Community queries

If a member of the community contacts the school about a media article or social media post, school staff should:

• thank them for contacting the school and:
  • if the school is aware of the post – acknowledge this and advise that the school is seeking advice from the department on an appropriate response which might include notifying the parent/carer community
  • if the school is not aware of the post – ask them for more information and if appropriate, ask them to provide a copy of the article or post
• note that the department has a website for former students who were sexually abused by an adult working at a Victorian government school which includes information about reporting and support options
• notify the Restorative Engagement and Support team, if they are not already aware of the article or post.