The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has released the research report Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and child sexual abuse in institutional contexts which suggests strong connection to culture can reduce vulnerability to sexual abuse among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The report explores the impacts of past discriminatory policies and ongoing systemic racism that heightens child sexual abuse risks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in institutional contexts today. The report finds that when children are separated from their cultures, they are more likely to be separated from protective factors such as self-esteem, secure attachments and strong social networks, and that culturally appropriate care offers a protective mechanism in out-of-home care contexts.
