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IGFF provides independent advocacy, case management, referral and support to victims, families and communities who have experienced clergy, religious and lay abuse. Our specialised response recognises personal and faith beliefs, the particular needs of families and educational resources to support communities seeking to repair.

We acknowledge that institutional systems may also contribute to individual and communal trauma, so we assist people to access expert help from lawyers, mental health practitioners, pastoral and social carers and relevant police.

Currently, we support survivors through case management and advocacy to convey their abuse experiences to the Royal Commission in private and public hearings.

Hope and resilience are also sustained through participation in our Melbourne Victims’ Collective, a long term healing network for survivors, families, professionals and supporters. logo-sec

If you are in need of assistance or advice, please see our Support & Assistance page for a list of independent bodies that may be able to assist you.

If you are able to support our efforts, financially or otherwise, please visit our Can you Help? page.

Our Mission Statement

Survivors of clergy, religious and lay abuse need to:

  Be believed, cared for and assisted in their recovery by family, friends, members of faith communities

  Be referred for expert health care from medical and psychological trauma practitioners; welfare and social assistance services

  Receive support to consult, make a report or statement to relevant police

  Receive counselling for trauma and stress, relationship and workplace difficulties and social impacts

  Receive expert pastoral care and spiritual support that affirms the survivors personal or faith beliefs

  Receive family care and counsel to assist their understanding of victim survival, ongoing trauma and options for family renewal

  Receive expert advocacy and information about options for seeking compensation including restorative justice approaches

  Receive independent legal representation, advocacy and support for criminal and civil justice processes

  Belong to a broader network of survivors, supporters and professionals advocating for better care, restitution, recovery and community recognition

  Be respected and supported in their views of religion and choices around participation

  Access education, information and resources to ensure the safety and well being of children, vulnerable adults and members of faith communities

  Receive information about the current Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse, encouragement to register with support to make their submission

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