At age 14, I was sexually abused by a nun. The school expelled me and promoted the nun. Each one of us can help keep children safe. Listen to the children; believe the children. And hold accountable the perpetrators and those in power. Be brave.

I just want to thank the Royal Commission for giving me the opportunity to tell my experience of abuse, in a safe, non-judgmental and compassionate atmosphere. I hope by sharing my story helps in some way of protecting future generations of vulnerable children.

Unknown to me, my ex-husband sexually abused my children. When my two sons were quite young they drew a picture of their father engaging them from behind them in what appeared to be anal sex. I didn’t know what the abhorrent pictures meant and put them away. This was about in blank. I then had a daughter in blank. When she was about 6 years old she drew a picture of her father with an erection lying on his bed. By this time, child abuse was starting to be dealt with in the public sphere. I approached my ex-husband about the picture. He told me that if I went to the authorities that he would say that I was involved and the kids would be taken off me. He said that he made sure he kept a good profile to the public and no one would believe me. He is a high-school teacher. In blank my then 20-year-old son came home and said his friend had told him that a teacher from his high school had a son to a 12-year-old student. My now deceased son said that his father knew him very well and gave me more details. I said for my now deceased son to let me know the name of the teacher and I would report the matter to police. My ex-husband looked alarmed. In January blank my 20-year-old son was killed when he was visiting my sister in another state. It appeared to me that he was used as an illegal organ donor. It appeared to me that my ex-husband was involved. My sister had a relation with my ex-husband when she came down to visit me in blank. In blank I had all my marital property removed from me and now live in public housing.

My story isn’t any different to other messages, but what happened my mistake was I had no faith in the system at all. But if possible, try and choose an independent person that you trust. People are more open to this evil, don’t keep it to yourself – it does not help and the evil goes undetected. Thankyou.

We as a country need to protect our children, and we should be reaching out to big corporations to design some sort of computer program to seek out child porn and notify police at once to stop this disgraceful act.

Child sexual abuse will never stop happening in Australia unless we have a whole of population attack and effort to change the penalty for sexual abuse, and to have the court processes for sexual abuse perpetrators changed, and the laws changed so that victims have a fair hearing. Organised paedophilia needs to [be] addressed in the police forces, churches, criminal justice system, parliament, wealthy families, any systems that are meant to care for and protect children all need to be investigated by independent committees similar to a Royal Commission, but with a lot wider range of power.

Love. Out. Violence. Eternity. Respect one another. Education is a power. Don't be [a] shame, be game. We are all human beings.

It is not the damage that is done at the time of the abuse. It is the damage that comes out years later when the person who has abused us has left our lives.

Listen to your children when they are ready to talk to you about other stuff that is happening to them. Do not judge them, love them (the children). Be on guard, watch for any tell tale signs of abuse. Guard them carefully.

I would like to thank everyone for what they have done and listened to me. Even though I told some of my story from the past, I shall never forget it. I know I have to let go, live with it and find a new path in a different direction. I’m not one to express my feelings or show them, it was a great step to go to the Royal Commission and talk about what happened in the orphanage.

Thank you Ex-PM Gillard, present government, Commissioners, support staff and their families and most of all the victims for making this Royal Commission a reality. Many have spoken, many cannot! For many victims it may make all the difference if people listen, believe, assist if you can or seek help for them! I believe we can and will stamp out this abuse with strength, unity and compassionate understanding. We need to let paedophiles know the community are watching and acting and will be forever vigilant to never let this plague reach the level it has in the past! Let this be a new beginning. I want to be the person I was going to be before I was abused!

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my whole story. I felt that the Commissioner truly listened to me and I feel validated. The counsellor was truly lovely – water and fire, gifts of release and healing. May all those affected find these gifts and heal.

I have told my story and I feel I have lifted the heaviest weight off my soul but to the Australian public. I say this we are strong and we have survived one of the greatest misconduct and abuse. Let us thank the Royal Commission, without this we would be still fighting.

Sexual, mental, emotional or physical abuse of children should not be tolerated in society. Openly discuss, report, document and talk of suspected child abuse. We need transparency.

I never thought this day would come. I felt very nervous, however Commission Milroy, support worker blank and the other 3 ladies made [me] feel comfortable. I did feel after that I had not elaborated enough on what happened to me, as it was difficult to put into words. I wish we could have had more time with the Commissioner, but I understand that there are many still waiting to tell their story. Thank you Julia Gillard for making this happen. Thank you everyone.

In an era when God was to be feared and the parish priest was held in similar stead. Sadly it was an era of innocence lost!

46 years it’s taken to finally “speak-out” about my childhood. The Royal Commission has given me the chance to tell my story after being silenced for so long. To let go of shame and guilt I’ve held onto for 46 years. To bury the past, opens up the door to “Healing”.

Attending and speaking to the Commission was a great relief. I hope the future will take note and do all it can to, prevent the cruel, sadistic and barbaric actions of some clergy and others, against children. I heard the strongest and most soul soothing words at my one on one hearing: "we believe you". Thank you for listening.

Child sexual abuse leaves scars and damage that never heal[s]. The pain and torment is with you forever. I was sexually abuse for 8 years at a boarding school for blank boys. All boarding schools should be closed down. Children should be with their parents at night where they are safe. I always say where [there] is a will there is a way. You just have to find it, to make things work. The Royal Commission has been very helpful to me, so thank you for all your help.

Never in my wildest dream did I thought of telling my story to anyone, but now I feel relieved because someone listened, and the Royal Commission made that possible to prevent it from happening to others.

My message to those who have been abused in care is you are not alone, what happened to you is not your fault, don’t be afraid to come out of the dark and share your story, let your healing start today, you’re a voice let it be heard, help to stop future damage to others please. Together we are stronger.

Because the abuse that I suffered, I had lost all respect for correctional staff and police. Since I have finally spoken about the abuse, I feel that future generations can and will stop the abuse in institutions.

Sit down and talk to someone about your abuse to even though it’s hard to do. Speak up so you can be heard. So that all your hauntings and fears can be a real relief to you. For there are many people like us that must be heard too. And always remember there are people that do care, and can help you through your fears and tears, and those terrible years. So please speak up. And remember you are never alone. blank

It is a harrowing experience to recount one’s own experience of child sexual abuse but to do so was and is of paramount importance to our future generations, to ensure their safety and wellbeing – a sacrifice worth making!

Both me and my older brother were both victims of sexual abuse in a system that was controlled by the Catholic church. My brother took his life many years ago. But my voice will carry on in his honour. Now it’s time for the Government to compensate and look after the victims of its destructive past.

Having someone of so importance as Commissioner Justice Jennifer Coate believe me and respect me has given me the courage to move to the light after being in the dark for so long. 40 years I’ve carried this burden and now [I] can have a more happier journey knowing help is not far away.

My message. I still cry after 45 years, so it is so important for us to keep the children in the future safe. The children need to know that if this happens to them, they need to tell someone, I didn’t and lost my life over it.

It is not your fault. Stay strong, talk to others that you can trust, and take each day with loving patience. Help is only a phone call away.

It is nice to know that someone will listen. I know they are only doing their jobs. But maybe together we can make the country a better place.

The police failed me. They left my case gathering dust on someone’s desk because they couldn’t be bothered with it. They didn’t care about what I had to say. I gave a perfectly detailed testimony, but they cast it aside because the rapist “is an upstanding member of society”. He got away with no repercussions and God knows how many more children he’s destroyed by raping them.

Let these words be the true book of “revelations”. Every life is important. Our opportunity to chorus “do not ignore it in the future”. Be a vigilant society.

I honestly think sharing my story has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I always thought it didn’t matter and neither did I but I was wrong. I realise no one should ever be treated that way it broke my heart for so long and has been hard carrying it around for 20 years not telling anyone.

Thankyou to everyone especially the Royal Commission for the support that has been provided. I wish what happened to me, never happens to anyone again and remember 'It is never your fault'.

A child should never experience the monsters under their beds as friendlier than those enlisted by institutions to care for them. Past, present or future. My experiences have been given voice by the Royal Commission, and it's now up to the Governments to listen, and take action to ensure it never happens again!

Thank you - I felt honoured to tell my son's story, to be heard, to be believed, that's all he wanted, and I helped to achieve that with Royal Commission's help. Listen to the children Australia with love.

I hope my coming out helps stop child abuse in Australia. No child goes through what I went through. We protect our kids and never go through Royal Commission ever again. Amen.

In the moments before you decide to sexually abuse a child, stop and consider the amount of trauma you will be inflicting on them for the rest of their life. Let every child experience a lifetime of freedom and happiness, an optimistic future and trust in their fellow human beings. Choose never to sexually abuse a child!

Through fear, I endured the oppressive power of my torment for as long as I can remember. Little hope could be found in the darkness I frequented until I forced to confront those things I avoided. With clarity of mind and some hope, I sought to strip away my past in order for me to really see who and what I had become. I now have revelations of both negative and positive truths and fully accept the person I am. Sharing my story with the Royal Commission is a part of my healing journey, for it will be a lifelong process.

With courage forged. With spirits crushed from childhoods taken, we must stay strong and not be shaken. A secret held because we must, for in our world there is no trust. Alone we fight the guilt and shame, as prisoners held we bear the blame. With courage forged we paid a cost and bear the scars of battles lost. Within this book we all unite to let you know we'll stand and fight. The trauma of a child abused, should be defended not excused. Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is close to the broken hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

I would like to say thank you to the Royal Commission for helping me having the opportunity to tell my story and to know it was not me to be blamed for what happened.

Royal Commissioner Robert and his associates Katrina, Ruth and "Jewels" – thanks for listening to my story – it was pretty difficult but you made me feel welcome and "clean" at last. – with immense gratitude.

Thanks to the Royal Commission our son's story has been told and other survivors of child sexual abuse have spoken. May the institutions named take heed the federal authorities act decisively to implement the Commissioner's recommendations.

Having my 1 on 1 with the Royal Commissioner was helpful with my journey to overcome my childhood sexual abuse in an institution. I felt supported, heard and very much respected. I am also happy that the Commission will be making changes.

The Royal Commission has opened a door that has facilitated a positive step forward in creating a society in which every child is safe. I am grateful for the opportunity I was given which allowed me to play a part in this through telling my story.

To the Commissioner and staff I say thank you. Anything that can be done should be done. No child should have to suffer abuse of any kind. Once again thank you, it has been a great. Burden lifted.

Court ordered removal at age 4, transferred 1800 km's away from family to a receiving station, I have served 14 years in and out of institutions and families and punished for my parents being alcoholics until I turned 18 then left to fend for myself with no ongoing support by the Government, I am white. I was abused by a female for 3 years in a foster family and the Government has no laws at the time for this so no crime was committed and no legal action can be taken against this female paedophile leaving me no course of recompense. The State Government halved the Redress compensation because too many victims applied to be registered and the Royal Commission is unable to change laws. What a terrible life, what an uncaring system, and you are right, it has damaged so many to such a deep extent and yet Australia gives you hope. Hope that you can be somebody, achieve anything and find your peace. This is a journey from within, a personal empowerment of who you want to be. Australia will let you do this for you, just start and keep going, happiness will come, I am happy now and my journey into me hasn't ended yet. You are most powerful when you believe you can achieve and find goodness in yourself. Be good to yourself today and every day for the rest of your life.

As an eight year old, my innocence, trust and self-worth were tarnished. Authorities were aware of my abuse, but it was all hushed away! The Royal Commission has allowed me to finally be heard and understood of the trauma and roll on effect it has had in my life due to neglect. Finally we can make a change for the better future of Australian children. Thankyou.

I would like to thank the Royal Commission for helping me out and I don’t want any other kids to go through what I went through.

I'm glad I survived to tell my story and my twin's story. It can't bring my brother back, or our innocence but it makes me glad I didn't suicide with him at 26, if only to tell our story. If you look hard enough, there are reasons to stay alive, this makes one more. Life is a lot harder than it needed to be, but I'm still here and I'm not alone and neither are you.

When I spoke to the Royal Commission I was heard. I spoke and was listened to. Three thinks I learnt: "You are not broken, there is nothing to fix"; Boundaries are a fabulous thing, they move! And if you can speak, – speak loud!!!

Child abuse by school counsellors does and will happen. It destroyed my self-confidence, caused me to blame myself for what happened, and major depression. The road back to living a normal life is hard but can be done. For all that have suffered, have hope!

This Royal Commission is the first step in challenging our societies' culture. A change to protect the vulnerable, to give a voice to many who couldn't speak, to listen. This is our chance to create a society where these betrayals and crimes can no longer exist in secret and silence. Let us be brave, listen and take a stand to say no more.

Thank you Royal Commission and Open Place for all you did for me and my late father, isn't a no-one anymore. Lost records and denial will no longer silence a voice or what happened. Thank you to all you brave survivors with blessings.

I cannot change the past so I used it to shape my future. I am a caring, loving and good person who watches over my children and grandchildren. Did the abuse affect me? It sure did. Will I let it rule my life? "No way". Thank you to all involved in this Royal Commission.

Just over 51 years ago my mother died and I was a ward of the state and was abused mentally and physically. Me and my sister didn't deserve this. Finally felt like I was finally heard today with the Royal Commission. Things need to change and for children to be listened to fully.

It was a challenge and a blessing to have the opportunity to share my story of abuse with the Royal Commission. In a sense, handing my experience of abuse over into the care of people who have at every stage shown us respect, compassion and sanctuary, has allowed me to unburden and move forward. Thank you.

I could tell my story. Some didn't get a chance to share theirs. I'm glad I could speak out for some. Thanks for the support from the Royal Commission and help giving me the courage to come forward. Keep our children safe.

I am the parent of a child victim and dealing with the police and justice system was horrific. I hope the Royal Commission leads to improved police resources and processes that are more sympathetic to victims and their families. I hope that laws are change to reduce the burden of proof on victims so every paedophile is brought to justice.

I had an expectation that speaking to the RC would possibly be a vehicle for closure. Unfortunately for me it wasn't, but I hold the hope that the recommendations that result from it will protect our children now and for future generations.

Sharing my story was an enormous relief. I hope Australia can come together to protect children so this doesn't happen to anyone else. The Royal Commission has been a big step towards making a better future for our children.

For all the children that have and will come after us. To the brave people who came forward to tell their story so you could have peace of mind and hopefully a lot more safety. Thank you it’s a great weight lifted. Once again. Thank you.

I was a mistake and should never have been born. For most of my childhood I was stored and managed in cruel lonely heartless institutions where I was abused sexually, physically and emotionally. For thirty years throughout adulthood I struggled with temptation to end my pointless life. But I eventually put up my hand and asked for help. I'm glad I did, for this is helping me to be a stronger person and to find happiness and purpose in life.

Child sexual abuse destroys lives. Takes away childhood innocence, leads to mental disorders, autoimmune diseases. I was a survivor of CSA. I suffer so many illness. Please put a stop to this horrendous crime. Please Please Please.

I was abused and telling my story to the Royal Commission has helped me gain the strength to understand it was not my fault. I would encourage anyone to please speak up, it's okay. Thankyou for the Royal Commission and all those involved.

The experiences at the hands of those trusted by our naive parents destroyed my life and continues to do so. Self-esteem is not something I've experienced in my life. To be acknowledged means little, but explains a lot.

The Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse gave me a chance to tell my story as a survivor. I hope that going forward sport becomes safe for children to participate in without risks of abuse. I hope all Australian's take allegations of sexual assault seriously and report accordingly. If you know something, say something.

Deciding to attend the Royal Commission was such a painful decision but it was such a privilege to be part of a process that gives survivors a voice, a space that is the first step in restoring dignity and beginning healing. My hope is that going forward society makes changes in response to all out stories that ensures the safety of children.

I am 39 year old. For 20 years I've carried the pain and confusion of being a victim of child abuse. The greatest leap of faith I've taken was sharing my story. Through that I am now beginning to talk more instead of bottling it all up … I promise it feels good to talk. Thankyou for all your emotional support.

What can I really say about my past … it happen and I can't turn back time. I feel I really don't get much help from people. So..What can I do and say? When I do ask for help … I don't hear back from them. The only person can help me, is me.

My heart and soul were broken permanently, my life 25 years later is still a train wreck, it breaks my heart that my children blank and blank continue to suffer from the effects of my abuse. The people who were trusted to care for me failed not only myself and my children disgraced themselves and their Government departments! I pray every single day that no child will suffer as I did and still do! I pray my story is read and shared to prevent this from reoccurring ever again! Amen.

Please don't leave home. Talk to someone if any abuse is happening to you. Don't leave it till you are an elder. Don't keep it inside, it causes all sorts of problems and now there's lots of help out there. My abuse started in my home as a young child, when I got a bit older (15 years) I ran away thinking this would solve all my problems, it only got worse, I was brought back to Melbourne by police, placed in a child protection place till I went to children's court, I was abused worse in this place, they were supposed to look after me. I finally said when I got out, this is enough but kept my secret till I was 65 years old.

Many people have spoken about the Stolen Generation well some of us have had our childhood taken away by unscrupulous people that have worn many disguises, including religious orders. They will answer to a higher authority one day, or search their conscience. The demon of our past lives on today (internet), but this Royal Commission is a great first step. Thanks.

Thank you to the Royal Commission for listening to my story. It was the first time I had ever told anyone. All the people I spoke to at the Royal Commission were extremely kind. It was very helpful to me. I hope the Royal Commission leads to helping children in the future.

The ladies look after me before I went and told my story. I felt at ease with them, the counsellor and the Royal Commissioner Robert. They were so caring. I cry nearly the whole session, they had plenty of tissues. They all care. Family Services needs to do the right things about placing girls in a all boys homes. It was disgusting living with all males, and no mothers of the house homes to look after us. Maybe it would be different if there was female staff.

In loving memory of my lost soul sisters and brothers. Lonely are our voices, You alone heard, For that you saved me, Honour and respected, Our babys.

Unlike sharing my story to the courts, which was painful, triggering and invalidating, having my voice heard by the Royal Commission was extremely supportive and validating. This process provided further healing for me. It also gave me hope that things will change and victims will be better supported in the future.

Institutionalised child abuse in Catholic schools wasn't just priest molesting children. Sometimes it was disabled students being molested by other students and terrorised into silence by lay female teachers, who were defended by reputation-obsessed principals. It was part of a wider pattern of abused. As we live in a society where disabled children are punished by their teachers by being locked in a cage, it is crucial that these lessons from the past are always remembered.

I wish to thank the Royal Commission in giving me a platform to share my story and experience as a victim of child sexual abuse. I spent many years of my life locked up and not able to control my anger. Counselling has changed my life and made me a better person. I wish to thank the Government of showing the initiative in setting up the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse.

My message to Australia is that these kinds of abuses which result in the ongoing trauma should never ever happen to any child of any race: My concern is for the people who have untold stories of rape and sexual abuse through fear of the repercussions of the perpetrators taking revenge or fear of their children being taken away instead of the perpetrators. Whole lives have been destroyed through the cover ups of child rapes which leaves a devastating traumatic life style upon our holistic health and well being that we are still picking up the pieces.

To the general public of Australia: Please don't judge us, but support us. Learn from the past, to protect our children's future. John Davey. I give permission to use my name.

Child abuse is a bad thing. You and me are survivors, we need to talk about what has happened to us. But he can't tell anyone, guilt will live in him for life. We are the strong ones. Keep your head held high. Courage speak to someone it really does help.

The Royal Commission has enabled myself and others to have a voice and to put a face to those who have suffered sexual abuse under the church. To be believed and listened to was supportive and a comfort to myself and family and I thank you for this opportunity.

Children are our future, therefore we must look after our kids, I pray each day for our kids to be safe, loved, cared for and to grow in the knowledge, that is they are important they matter and they are loved … 'Stop the abuse'!!!!

I don't want to be ashamed of belonging to a human race that is cruel and abuses children and its most vulnerable in any institution. Be vigilant and stop it, please. I thank the Royal Commission for listening to my story and taking note.

Please speak to someone, I have kept my abuse to myself for almost 60 years as I was told never to speak about it. This caused me to basically be a hermit as I was so frightened of everyone.

(A poem). We are like bright stars open to the universe. The little boys tears flowed into the river, and from the clouds in the sky. He has never lost his innocence, because the thunder storm created a beautiful rainbow, dew drops on the spiders web. The little kid goat is sacred and has come home.

No matter how hard life may be, I know the sun will always shine to brighten my day and as it gives its warmth to the world I offer my compassion and if I wake in the morning I'm off to a good start and making it through the day is my wish.

My cries for help fell on deaf ears. In 2017 I was given the opportunity for the first time to tell my story. I hope that it is realised that children in care are vulnerable and need protection as they are our future. It was more the not doing anything that has affected me than the crime of abuse.

Australia are you ready to ensure that our nation is known for implementing the necessary legislation, policies and systems to protect our children from sexual abuse? I imagine a future where our children experience a safe childhood. I am entrusting our politicians and organisational leaders to commit to bipartisan support and required partnering to fund and implement the Commission's recommendations over the next 5 years. We all must act to stop the harm to children.

Prisons are full of people like myself. Lives ruined by deviants willingly assisted by uncaring unskilled church and welfare employees self serving foster people education workers who think badly behaved antisocial children are inherently so and best managed by corporal and spirit breaking punishments 'Wrong!' My dealings with the Commission and all their workers was handled in the most caring supporting manner I have ever experience by government people. The most important thing about sharing my indignant story is knowing that I have helped collaborate grievous I will always live with my past but knowing there are people such as those within the Commission gives me hope for other abandoned and abused children. Better late than never "Thank you".

My name is blank. I was made a ward of the state of Vic when I was four or five years old. Between the age of 6 until I turned 10 I was physically mentally and sexual abused. I have lived all of my adult life not telling anyone as I didn't think I was going to be believed so my message to all Australians is abuse of any kind is not right and I urge people to tell someone about it please. Signed blank.

This Royal Commission allowed immeasurable benefits to the survivors (and their supports), to be given: the generosity of time and understanding; the ability to be heard and valued; the forum to contribute to reducing the risk and minimising the harm for others; and encouragement for ongoing healing and self care. This was the first real positive engagement on this matter since the abuse 26 years ago.

The Royal Commission and my private sessions allowed me to explain how the abuse that occurred to me in a boarding school from the age of 9 until 15 has destroyed my confidence in myself and while being a becoming moderately successful in life, any hurdle that I have faced has plunged me into a space of "well this is what I deserve", and I have struggled to overcome that "failure feeling" and have lived with guilt and shame. The private session was the first positive step so that I can place the blame where is should lie on the Christian Brother that failed in his duty of care.

As a child, I had never told anyone about the abuse, and after my marriage broke down and then a merry go round of mental health issues, I finally found an avenue via the paper with the Royal Commission to pursue. With the RC phone counselling offered to now talking with the Commissioner in a private session I have, for the first time, really felt heard, supported, acknowledged and now can finally move on with my life. I cannot thank the government, the Commissioner and the staff enough for this Royal Commission. Hoping this has paved the way for a better society in institutions.

I would like to say thank you for listening to my childhood abuse story. I only hope that my story helps others in the same state and is valuable to prevent this from happening to our innocent children from now on.

No child should have their innocence, trust, future and faith stolen by an adult – much less an adult in a position of power and trust. This happened to me. This happened to thousand of little children. This is still happening. This must stop now! The Catholic Church should be a place of peace, comfort, love and worship – not a playground for molesters, paedophiles, rapists and evil. It is our past – don't let this be our future too.

Something horrible happen to me when I was young I tried to tell but they denied it and I wasn't believed. I've held that pain and guilt for almost 50 years. We should always listen to our children and believe. Thank you.

It wasn't just sexual abuse, there was also emotional, mental and physical torture daily during my 10 years at blank. I turned to drugs and alcohol to forget and now they run my life. I'm 53, lost my licence 7 times. I am sick of still keeping up the abuse for what? I will never forget until I die. They screwed my life up and I still need counselling and meds for anxiety and depression.

By sharing my story of years of physical, mental and sexual abuse along with all the other stories of abuse, that the Australian Government and Federal Police will hunt down and severely punish any future abuser and that Australian children will be listened to when they say that they are being subjected to abuse.

It was hard to even think about telling someone else what happened to me. I felt ashamed for many years. It was a big relief to tell someone and be believed. Justice McClellan made me feel good about myself. By speaking up I hope this will ensure this sort of thing does not happen again.

What I hope out of my situation is to be of help to others so that nothing like sexual abuse happens in a trusting environment. If you can't trust someone then who can you trust. Thank you to the Royal Commission for listening. Cheers.

It was a heartfelt relief that after 60 years, I could be heard – more importantly believed. For the safety of our future children, never forget and allow these catastrophic events to happen again. The emotionally and physical damage is irretrievable. May we never forget! A Caring Dad.