Response to recent media reports on The Salvation Army and the Royal Commission

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has completed two public hearings concerning The Salvation Army (Eastern Territory). This has been a difficult process for all concerned, most of all for the survivors who have recounted allegations of abuse.

Following Case Study 5 of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse a retired Salvation Army officer was named by survivors. These allegations were presented to the Royal Commission and were referenced as part of Case Study 10.

The matters raised against the retired officer, have been reported to the police. The retired officer has also been suspended and an internal investigation has been initiated. The Salvation Army has contracted independent external investigators to undertake this investigation, and to investigate other existing and new claims.

The Salvation Army is unable to make further statements on this case while the matter is still the subject of an ongoing police investigation.

The Salvation Army also gives its assurance that victims’ compensation is not paid from funds donated to the Red Shield Appeal, but is paid from other sources.

The Salvation Army once again invites any person who has been subjected to abuse to make contact with the police and our Professional Standards Office.

Since the Royal Commission hearings, The Salvation Army, through its Professional Standards Office, has received 19 new claims from survivors of abuse, 8 claims which have been resubmitted as well as 2 claims which have been referred, in total 29 claims.