Recommendation 25: The Australian Government considers including child
marriage in definitions of family and domestic violence for the purposes of
data collection, monitoring and access to service delivery, including
prevention programs.
(b)
Female genital mutilation
168. While female genital mutilation (FGM) for non-therapeutic purposes is
criminalised in Australia under all state and territory laws,131 there are
inconsistent penalties, age coverage and extraterritorial provisions that
impede information sharing between agencies, jurisdictions and health
and legal systems.132
169. Awareness and training programs on FGM are available in most
jurisdictions, although surveys suggest there is a low level of awareness of
FGM among health practitioners, legal practitioners and communities.133
Recommendation 26: Australian Governments harmonise laws that
criminalise female genital mutilation, and conduct awareness education
for health professionals.
5.3
Sexual abuse
(a)
Child sexual abuse in institutions
170. The National Royal Commission heard from thousands of people who
experienced sexual abuse as children in institutions in Australia.134 In 2012
approximately 69,600 people in Australia aged over 18 (40,200 males and
29,400 females) reported being sexually abused by a doctor, teacher or
minister of religion before the age of 15.135 This figure is likely to
significantly underestimate the extent of child sexual abuse in institutional
settings.136
171. Many of the personal accounts made to the National Royal Commission
reveal the devastating effects of child sexual abuse, including on physical
and mental health, education, career prospects, ability to form
relationships and their faith, as well as negative impacts on survivors’
children, partners, parents, other family members and communities.137
These effects are often compounded by inadequate and ineffective
responses to allegations of abuse within an organisation.138
172. The National Royal Commission recommended a number of actions to
address institutional cultures and practices that continue to allow abuse to
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