Daruk Training School, also known as Daruk Boys’ Home, was established in 1960 by the Department of Community Services and closed in 1985. It was set up as a training school for school aged juvenile offenders.
Recently, Daruk has been under media scrutiny following a 60 Minutes program reporting on allegations from several former residents that significant sexual and physical abuse was perpetrated against boys placed in Daruk over a period of many years.
Allegations of sexual abuse against boys’ at Daruk are not new, and were also brought to light during the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The reports of sexual abuse indicate a widespread and systemic history of brutal sexual and physical abuse perpetrated against boys in Daruk.
Police Strike Force Eckersley was set up in response to the Royal Commission and they have been investigating allegations of sexual abuse at Daruk, and other complaints of abuse which were referred to them by the Royal Commission. As a result of investigations three former employees of the institution have been charged with criminal offences. The former employees have not been named and it is not clear what information may have resulted in the charges being laid.
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If you spent time in Daruk we would like to hear from you about your experience. Turner Freeman has experienced male and female personal injury lawyers who specialise in institutional abuse cases and we can offer you legal advice about your potential options.