Victims of possible child sex abuse at a Sydney boys home have been urged to come forward.
Police yesterday appealed for information from former residents of Royleston boys depot in Glebe, in Sydney’s Inner West, who were state wards from July 1961 to July 1962.
Leichhardt detectives have spoken to a number of witnesses about allegations of sexual and indecent assaults, but are seeking further information from residents, who were aged between eight and 14 at the time.
Detectives believe that there may be other victims of abuse who have not yet reported incidents to police.
In 2014 investigations commenced into complaints relating to Royleston, having been referred to by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse.
The temporary dormitory-style manor was established by the State’s Children Relief Board in 1922 and accommodated boys aged between six and 18.
Described by one former ward as a “large Victorian mansion” on Glebe Point Road, the home was closed in 1983.
In the Inquiry into Children in Institutional Care, accusations describing sexual abuse by former Royleston staff members were heard.
One former resident recalled he was told by an employee not to tell other boys.
In one submission, to a Senate Committee in 2005, a former resident stated he “felt the heavy hand of adult men, men employed to care for us”.
Police understand many victims and witnesses have previously been reluctant to come forward, but detectives are reminding the community, all reports will be treated in strict confidence. Additional support services can be made available.
Contact Crime Stoppers on1800 333 000 or Leichhardt detectives on 02 9556 0624.
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