NT child sexual abuse: peak health body calls out media sensationalism and inaccuracy

The peak body for Aboriginal health, the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) , has been outspoken on the recent media reporting around the sensitive issues of reported child sex abuses and has been critical of the NT Government's response so far.

Donna Archee, the AMSANT Chairperson said:

"Sexual abuses are abhorrent and must be addressed with the full force of the law.

Now, when we look at the situation that occured in Ali Curung it is our understanding that the four year old boy has actually suffered no physical injuries and 'The Australian' newspaper said he was tranferred to Alice Springs hospital because of severe injuries is UNTRUE. He was tranferred to enable a proper forensic assessment even though there were no signs of injuries on examination. 

So this doesn't mean there is no harm in some way but we're actually concerned with the way the reporting is occurring in these particular incidences."