‘Disturbing’ findings of NSW evacuation centre violence and sexual assaults triggers safety protocols review

University of Newcastle research has found some women in emergency shelters during the devastating Lismore floods reported sexual assaults and violence

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Safety protocols at mass evacuation centres will be investigated after researchers found women had been subjected to violence and sexual assaults in the immediate aftermath of the devastating northern rivers floods of 2022.

The review by the Department of Communities and Justice and the New South Wales police is slated to begin later this year and will consider the role of police officers and triaging, as recommended by University of Newcastle researchers.

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