Message to Australia
Message to Australia
‘Message to Australia’ gave those who bravely told their story to the Royal Commission an opportunity to share a message with the Australian community about their experience and hopes for creating a safer future for children. These messages were published in a commemorative book that was handed over to the National Library of Australia during the final sitting of the Royal Commission on 14 December 2017.
More than 1,000 contributions were received and will remain as a tribute to survivors’ courage in coming forward to tell their stories and provide a public record of their experience. Messages are available to be viewed below and the book is on display at the National Library of Australia and in all state and territory libraries.
Content warning: material may be confronting and disturbing. If you need help visit support services.
1001 of 1054
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.
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1002 of 1054
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.
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1003 of 1054
It has been so empowering writing my account. Recovery is a lonely road and the scars from my past aren't always seen in the world, I keep them secret, just like my story. I have learnt the power of silence keeps you powerless, the silence keeps you shamed but by doing this process I am breaking the silence. None of these traumas should have happened to children, but they did. I hope the future will be much safer for children. Sharing my story has validated that lost lonely little girl that waited so long for the world to know what happened to her. And now someone does. From the bottom of my heart thank you for this Royal Commission.
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1004 of 1054
My story started at a very young age of 2 years old. I was taken by welfare 1955 to be placed into a institution infants home. This didn't stop there over the years I suffered at the hands of several adults who should have been looking after my safety. But were only abusing me. 1957–1961 – Subjected to physical, mental abuse, 1961–1962 Neglected living in poor rundown dilapidated homes 1962–1964 Institutionalised criminal shelters to, no electricity – proper food – on the run from police-welfare. Blank. Physically, sexually, mentally abused, beaten to a pulp on several occasions by matrons and superintendent, to ongoing bullying to sexually interfered with by gang girls. These outcomes of abuse brought me down mentally – of trauma to my well-being. My message to Australia is that even though a child went through institutional sexual abuse, but now has passed on. Within the law set down by the Royal Commission, should still be able to have a voice for justice to be heard through their parent by birth even though they were taken forcibly to be made a state ward. Laws need to be changed for police to have more power to act on a parent's concern of paedophilia perpetrators abusing their child. Church institutions especially ones who care schools – for children need to take responsibility if there are concerns of abuse (physical, sexual, mental abuse). A child if comes forward within the walls of institutions of complaints of child sexual abuse done to them, needs to be listened to. With law actions taking place.
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1005 of 1054
Hope my testimony help children in the future so it doesn't happen to them.
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1006 of 1054
Please help those children in institutions Make it safer I cannot stress how much I mean when I say safer priorities Contact the biological parents
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1007 of 1054
I had the opportunity to tell my story and my late brothers story (whom took his own life) R.I.P. I am grateful that I was given a chance to release my nightmare story. We are all as important as each other. Let there be changes to protect the future children of Australia. We all have a duty to safeguard children. They robbed me of my childhood and my brother, some of my adulthood but not my future. R.I.P. my brother.
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1008 of 1054
Keep the flame burning brightly to protect children from paedophiles into the future'.
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1009 of 1054
I'm sorry I was abused, I'm sorry for all the other victims who were abused and I'm sorry for all my family and friends who have missed me dearly for over 30 years. I have been alone for a very long time, whilst perpetrators have walked free. Never let us walk alone again.
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1010 of 1054
I don't feel shame. I don't feel as though it was my fault. But, I do feel anger. I do feel hurt. I feel for the missing years of my childhood. I look at teenagers and wonder what it would have been like to have a real teenage life rather than anger, drugs and alcohol. The fog has lifted and the way looks clearer now.
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1011 of 1054
Thank you to the Royal Commission for listening to my story, and by my story to give all foster children of Australia better opportunity for the future, instead of the sound of silence.
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1012 of 1054
To all who may read this: I would like to say to fellow survivors and to those of us who haven't made it this far that there is courage and support that we now know is here and real. My heart especially goes out to the "incredible" men and women of the Royal Commission who have heard true horrors, and spoken to so many broken men, women, boys and girls. Closure is a word I don't agree with or register; however, I now feel a sense of justice after so many years. And I have a new hope for my future and my family. Love and hope for you all. From a fellow guy.
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1013 of 1054
We are survivor's not victims our voices have been heard. It is now time to heal and help the next generations to come!!!
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1014 of 1054
I think there should be harsher penalties – to make people think twice about interfering with children, and more psychiatric help.
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1015 of 1054
For over fifty years I have been silent but the Royal Commission has finally enabled me to have a voice. I feel as though people have heard my stories and this gives me some relief, and I am grateful for all the people that supported and cared for me along my journey.
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1016 of 1054
The impact of abuse lasts a lifetime. The Commissioner's first words to me were – I believe you! So important. I am grateful for being heard – a big part of the journey to wholeness.
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1017 of 1054
I have kept the burden of holding onto my past of child physical, sexual, mental abuse from being in isolation in a institution life since the age of 2 years old. That's 62 years ago. I found myself coming to terms with the trauma, depression, post traumatic stress of my journey of ongoing abuse. To then trying to cope with life. Then it hit me again. Not knowing that I would have to go through 1990 to 2015 with my son's emotional turmoil of them being sexually abused by paedophiles, not only by getting a job, 'blank' Catholic Brother, but lured, groomed from internet media. Since having my private session through the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse 25th November 2015. I was given the opportunity to not only tell my story but my son's, with the reassurance to having a voice to be heard that the abuse evidence would be taken seriously with my recommendations for the change of protecting children. I have a voice now to allow others to find the strength to have a voice, the courage of faith to determination to stand up for themselves to find healing in knowing that they are not alone they can find the justice in their story of survival.
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1018 of 1054
After adoption at birth, 16 years of unremitting torture, molestation and terror I was homeless. Drugged unconscious and raped for accepting help. In 2010 I embarked upon justice only to be again abused, threatened, ignored, and told to go away. We were heard, we were not supported, there is no justice!!
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1019 of 1054
Please do not underestimate the costs of sweeping childhood sexual abuse under the carpet. My father, sister and I endured institutional sexual abuse. My family has been traumatised for 3 generations because the abuse was denied and consequences not understood. 4 of my immediate family members died young. They were all Australian born. Unfortunately new migrants in family did not understand.
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1020 of 1054
We've suffered through a life full of sexual, mental, emotional, and physical abuses that started at age 2. Institutional abuses meant that we've developed parts/personalities who have removed our host from school rooms and churches, continually. We've worked hard on finding out "Who am I?" and our private session with the Royal Commission was an important part of this quest. Thank you Julia Gillard and thank you commissioners and counsellors. We suffer with DID (dissociative identity disorder) [52 personalities; identify as queer on the LGBTIQ spectrum. Personal pronouns they them their.]
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1021 of 1054
– So alone and so scared with the constant hurt and horror, – But the pain in my heart/soul was with a father or a mother. – Yet, I made a fortune and respect as I blocked it out for 40 years – And lost it all with flashbacks of terror and copious floods of tears. – I am now united in trauma, yet so alone with my pain. – Australia hear our voices and let us be proud 'Aussie battlers' once again!
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1022 of 1054
Dear men come forward. For all the reasons you can think of we are the least likely to report. Find that safe space where you may be heard. It is incredibly powerful, it exists. Survival is its own true strength. Like you I survive every day.
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1023 of 1054
To all adults living in Australia. We have a deep responsibility and duty of care to believe and protect our children. We must do all that it takes to ensure that all children can grow and develop in a safe and positive environment. Education is key to sexual abuse being a serious tragedy of the past. Thank you to the Royal Commission.
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1024 of 1054
I would like to see welfare people stop taken the children from their parents and to help keep parents together so they can grow to show love and care for their children, boys homes show no love at all they beat and sexual attack you as well, I'm now 76 years old and still miss the love of my parents. Its like hell forever.
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1025 of 1054
If by telling my story for the first time in over 30 years, I helped save an innocent child avoid my pain, then its been worth it. – Hope, is all I have left now, as my past experiences stripped away everything from my innocence to my freedom. I hid the truth inside and never asked for help but help came and freed me from my shackles. May God bless all of you for setting me free and bringing me home. Thank you.
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1026 of 1054
I was very apprehensive in giving my story as it happened 60 years ago. I found the experience very confronting in the interview talking to three strangers my experience. By the completion of the interview and the "debrief" following my fears had been non-founded.
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1027 of 1054
After nearly 30 years since, incident with my son, and trying to get help, the perpetrator suicided, when finally caught up with, in 2016. This led me to go to Royal Commission. Best thing I could have done – for all those teenagers affected by the person over a 30 year period. I feel I have finally got/getting peace of mind. Do report to police. So much easier to do today.
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1028 of 1054
If women and men are ever going to find fulfilling relationships, they need to face the reality of past abuse and its impact on the present and their relationship. Trust is also vital and fundamental to any relationship. If survivors cannot trust their partner enough to communicate with them about their past abuse and its continued impact on their lives, or if their partner is not willing to accept this and support them, they are barking up the wrong tree and need to look for someone else, as the relationship will not last.
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1029 of 1054
Finally I have been able to tell my story after 27 years of suffering, pain and silence. I hope that this Royal Commission has opened up Australia's eyes to the suffering the Catholic Church has caused to so many innocent human beings. The church should be able to be sued and stronger sentencing is vital. These cover ups and protection of offenders must never be allowed to happen again. I would like to see the Redress Scheme compassionately reflect the harms done to victims. The church chose not to do this.
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1030 of 1054
As parents of a severely disabled boy who was molested twenty years ago by a male carer, we would like to see our most vulnerable community members protected. The statewide ban on this man was not enforced and mandatory reporting by professionals failed our son. Our pleas were ignored. Disabled people deserve protection from these predators. We thank the Royal Commission staff for their compassion, counselling and support.
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1031 of 1054
Flipping the memories of evil, experienced when I was thirteen, has been a challenge for me. Thank you for letting me tell my story, and for changing systems, that have accommodated this evil.
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1033 of 1054
Please help to stop this abuse, and make Australia a child safe country, I hope the Royal Commission can introduce a raft of changes, to stamp out abuse, but it is the responsibility of every Australian to help stamp out this horrendous practice and make a safe environment, not only for children, but for everybody. I am a proud survivor.
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1034 of 1054
After coming forward to the Royal Commission on behalf of our late husband and father who passed away recently after a difficult past of child abuse. I feel like his story has been told and recognised. A journey he wanted to take himself. Unfortunately couldn't. This was our final step forward giving us a sense of recognition and closure of his pain and suffering.
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1035 of 1054
Your honour jail isn't the answer for me as my record shows I really need help with my mental issues which has led me to a life of crime. I'm at the age now that I've finally opened up and really want to change my way of life as I'm not getting any younger. Thanking you. 13-7-2016
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1036 of 1054
"After many decades of silent suffering, we found people who not only listened to us, showed belief, compassion and then acted to change how politicians, churches, charities and the community handle child sexual abuse in the future. Now, every Australian can work towards ending child sexual abuse in our great nation."
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1037 of 1054
Before my private session with the Royal Commission (R.C.) I was scared, nervous, anxious, sick in my belly, all of the above and more. After my session with R.C. I felt a bright light go off in my belly, I felt liberated, a weight had been lifted. No more living in a deep dark hole. I want to thank the R.C. for pulling me out of that dark place. I truly thank and have respect for all the hard work by every one Commissioners and staff. I found all very respectful and helpful. Thank you. Yours truly.
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1038 of 1054
I am truly thankful that I was able to speak privately to the Royal Commission. So much compassion was shown and I know they felt my pain, I am so grateful I was finally heard by people in a position to create changes for all who suffered abuse in institutions. Thank you for giving me a sense of relief.
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1039 of 1054
I am 64 and have lived my life terrified by the power of people in authority because of the secrets locked up inside me. It was a very frightening process coming forward but I felt the Commissioner listened and believed me and I am wanting now to get on living without secrets.
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1040 of 1054
The year was 1960, I was an 8 year old boy starting primary school. A paedophile teacher damaged me so badly that my school life was hell. Hopefully now 57 years on the Royal Commission will ensure that all Australian institutions will have policies and procedures in place to protect those in their care.
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1041 of 1054
My message to all Australian people for our future for our Australian children no matter their ethnic backgrounds, this is for all of them for all Australians to remember after all the tears have run dry. * My name is Carl Anthony Forsyth Bourne on 16th August 1966, I lived and suffered for many years in the 'blank' Boys Home in Sydney NSW from age 7 I was given a 10 year sentence to this home for stealing from school a child's toy I begin this message with my name for it was removed and replaced with the number 13 for the years I was in the home until discharged to begin high school, Children was to be seen and not heard in my time as a child, it was this belief that gave rise to some of the most horrendous acts ever perpetrated against children myself being one of them, Children should never suffer again from such draconian ignorance all children of the world Australia should always have a voice with age never being a barrier to be heard and believed, children have a right to have a voice always they are smart innocent this is and should be all Australians right in our constitution without exempt, always find time to care enough to listen to our children for a safer more for filling and safer future for all to grow and enjoy for all generations to come god bless all our fellow Australians and protect our children they are the new generation a better more balanced happier Australia. (Permission granted to include name.)
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1042 of 1054
My whole life has been affected by the child abuse at blank. I have spent 40 years exploring all types of therapies to ease the pain. My interview with the Royal Commission was a highlight in my healing journey. I felt heard, supported and acknowledged, and I now feel less of a victim, more solid and confident in my future. Thank you!
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1043 of 1054
"The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting" – Milan Kundera. I cannot get back the years of my life that have been marked by the abusive incident by the doctor at my exclusive boarding school. I can go forward knowing that speaking to the Royal Commission and the police has made a difference; I feel free now that I am not silent. I am grateful to live in a country that encourages freedom of speech, and works to protect the children from abuse and exploitation. I am profoundly and ever more grateful that I live in obeyance of the rule of law. I hope further investigation will take place into institutions that alongside our constitutional entities preach and teach archaic indoctrinating sectarian ways. Just as the abuse I experienced was part of a contemporary culture that is now under scrutiny and leading to retrospective convictions I hope to see this ongoing examination of abuse within all institutions especially religious that oppress women and abuse children.
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1044 of 1054
To my precious 3 year old daughter. My heart feels your torment and pain, innocence so savagely stolen. My heart is filled with pride at your courage and strength. I will stand with you in your fight for justice, for you and those sadly that will come behind you. We will become the change we so desire in this world. May God strike with his rod of wrath upon those that committed such heinous acts, in his name. May they be forgotten, but may the lessons remain forever. My precious child I will not rest until justice and wholeness/healing are restored, this is my oath to you. xo
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1045 of 1054
For more than 50 years I have remained silent. I have had a feeling of "no self worth" and found it difficult to trust any male. The Royal Commission has given me a platform to be heard. Now hopefully those who behaved, morally and legally, badly can be held to account. No amount of publicity can undo the past but hopefully we can stop it happening again!
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1046 of 1054
The Catholic Church refused to hand over documents to the Royal Commission. They can't be subpoenaed due to the diplomatic immunity and special protections that the Australian Government gives the Catholic Church. Perpetrators who raped and tortured me are free to continue raping and torturing children because canon law overrides Australian law. No other religion in Australia is allowed to protect their criminals like this. Demand an end to Vatican diplomatic immunity!
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1047 of 1054
Many thanks for looking deeply into the churches and other institutions. I think having had success in pushing for some recommendations to be accepted, it has been helpful to me to give me a voice. While I still suffer from the consequences, it has been empowering for me and given me added strength to approach and confront the institution.
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1048 of 1054
At the age of four years of age I didn't have love and happiness around me. I was sexually abused in a child institution, life was painful suffering. In my senior years I suffered mental health issues and post traumatic disorder. What a relief when the Royal Commission was formed, I did not have to prove that this abuse happened I was believed now know that this form of abuse in homes will never happen again, children will be protected. My message to children is to speak up if you feel threatened. No one has the right to mistreat you. You deserve to be loved and respected always!!
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1049 of 1054
I wasn't sure at the beginning with my private session with the Royal Commission and sit there to talk about my life, however I'm glad except it was a nightmare waking up to it, for me and to say I don't want this happen to any other children.
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1050 of 1054
Thank you Australia for pursuing the truth. Knowing that justice lives in the land inspires our courage and loyalty. We must disprove the shame that has been associated with sex and find ways towards a full, joyful expression of it in our culture, respecting at all times the sanctity and beautiful sensuality of every person. Despite all the good it has done, the church in it's fundamental denial of Eros, remains incapable of healing the grievous harm it has perpetrated for so long.
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1051 of 1054
Today I am learning to be myself. When I was 13 years old I was sexually abused by 2 Sisters of Mercy. I have lived with this torment for most of my life. I am now 76 years old. All the victims deserve some compensation.
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1052 of 1054
Our kids are our future; our kids should live carefree and loved; our kids are our future. Our kids should be loved and cherished. The kids are the future. Let the future be love and carefree.
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1053 of 1054
My message to Australia is Why? did you as a nation forsaken me as a child. Respect? My self worth and self love taken 29 years ago. Not listen to by the people that whom I thought would protect me. My belongs lay in a box in a room in the dark for 29 years waiting to see light, to be believed. I laid for 29 years in a bed in a room in the dark waiting for someone to believe. Now at 44 I have been heard I was telling the truth. Please believe our children a life of tears.
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1054 of 1054
To tell our story wasn't easy but for the first time I felt we were heard. We thank you for that. Now we hope positive changes can make a better future from past mistakes.
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Contributors were given editorial guidelines to help them prepare their message. These guidelines advised that messages containing identifying information or offensive language would be redacted or not published.