Detectives investigating horrific historical child sex abuse allegations within a Penrith boys’ home are calling for victims to come forward.
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Strike Force Eckersley was formed by investigators from the Nepean Police Area Command in late 2016 after receiving a number of complaints referred by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Detectives are primarily focusing their attention on alleged sexual assault offences that occurred at the Daruk Training School at Berkshire Park between 1965 and 1985.
The now-defunct facility was one of several throughout the state used to accommodate juvenile delinquents and troubled teens.
Officers have spoken to numerous witnesses and taken statements from a large number of alleged victims, who were mostly aged between 10 and 14 at the time.
They have also located and inspected thousands of historical government documents as part of their investigation.
Officers now suspect there may be further victims, yet to come forward.
“Allegations of this nature are very sensitive, as far as victims are concerned,” Nepean Police Area Commander, Brett McFadden, said.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who was a victim of this type of abuse at the boys’ home more than 30 years ago,” Detective Superintendent McFadden said.
“Detectives are also urging anyone who attended the boys’ home or worked there during that period to contact us.
“We are determined to get to the core of what happened at the facility but we need accounts from those who were there,” he added.
Police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.