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.
201 of 1054
Thank you for the opportunity to tell my story, for enabling me to make a difference, and most of all for allowing me to speak out when I had been silenced for so long. That means so much to me.
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202 of 1054
Even it was hard for me to come to tell my story but I was so happy to get my story out and I feel like my story has ended but I am a strong person and I have survived my journey.
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203 of 1054
After 41 years someone believes me; so many have suffered. No child in an institution should go through any sort of abuse. I believe eventually all - almost; will pay for what they have done. Save our young not to have to go through what has happened in the past.
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204 of 1054
For the first time in my life, I've been able to tell my story and felt that I was actually listened to and was believed. I was treated with nothing but the utmost kindness and compassion. I hope that all this brings about the changes needed to ensure no other child goes through what I did.
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205 of 1054
For sixty years I have kept my story private. I feel a feeling of relief after speaking with the Royal Commission. Once a child without a voice, now an adult ready to share my story without shame so that others can feel safe to speak out.
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206 of 1054
Telling my story at the Royal Commission was very important to me. I hope in time there will be specialised legal teams and court hearings for child sexual abuse that understand the full depth and breadth of the lifetime consequences for the victims.
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207 of 1054
All people should be treated with dignity and respect. Give a voice to the voiceless. Ill treatment and abuse almost cost me my life but I found freedom in forgiveness with strength above myself. In the future ensure that children are cared for by ethical people and not by those who want financial or sexual gain and power by so called "caring".
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208 of 1054
Redress was a joke, Towards Healing was a start of a true apology and recognition of abuse by the Christian Brothers. I hope the R.C find the truth of what happen and find it there hearts to help us that were abused.
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210 of 1054
Thank you for listening to my story. People in positions of trust and dominance must be brought to account for their misdeeds, but also those who 'turned a blind eye' and allowed such sins to keep occurring. No more. Keep the public informed. No more abuse.
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211 of 1054
Dear Australia, I am a survivor, a prisoner, a human being, a transgender woman, a vulnerable person who has made mistakes in my life, and an Australian, and all I ask is to belong in Australia, to have purpose, to be understood, to be forgiven for my mistakes, and to be welcomed within Australian community. Please don't discard me.
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212 of 1054
I felt comfortable telling my story to the Commissioner, they listened to my story which showed respect. The institute was the first memoirs of my life. Not many people know this happened to me and why I react sometimes in situations. It was lovely to see an Aboriginal counsellor waiting for me when I finished. This showed they care about Aboriginal people.
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213 of 1054
How did I overcome the trauma of the abuse? I said to myself, "I was young, I was innocent, it was his problem not mine". It worked for me and it can work for you (Justice Rev 18:3-5,8) and (Relief Rev 21:4) are coming swiftly.
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214 of 1054
I await the day this is all over and we who have been abused can rejoice in the justice we so rightly deserve, only hope it all happens before we die!! We are elderly and live in hope...
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215 of 1054
I wanted to forget about being in the homes etc...and I never talked to my family about it because I was ashamed or guilty about what happened there, but after talking to the Royal Commission and I was told it was not my fault and now I feel better. Many thanks to the Royal Commission, you are understanding people.
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216 of 1054
No child should be exposed to sexual abuse by these predators. No time will heal the wounds - we can only help to protect our children in the future.
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217 of 1054
Our children are our most precious possessions. We must stop these creatures from fulfilling their obsessions. Be on the look-out each and every day. These people we call paedophiles, they deserve to pay.
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218 of 1054
I was broken but now I can mend, slowly but surely I will become strong again. I have been angry for ten years but this is where I can now rebuild my life and begin to move on. Today we are quick to judge young people like myself who have stuffed up but has anyone ever asked why?
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219 of 1054
For the tiny inconvenience of having cameras installed at all primary schools will mean many children will not be sexually abused and go on to lead a life of drug addiction and no self-worth. Remember, these predators work extremely hard 24/7 all year round and are experts at seeming "normal" or "a wonderful person". Their evil desire is never satiated and they have 'networks'. Please, put cameras up in all primary schools and protect children who cannot protect themselves.
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220 of 1054
After 44 years of silence, reliving the abuse was not easy but Australia needs to know so that other children are not subjected to the same.
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221 of 1054
It was extremely gratifying to give evidence to this Royal Commission. I hope that in some way, my evidence helps this and future generations stamp out the scourge of child abuse that has gone unchallenged for so long. Thank you for listening to my experience.
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222 of 1054
Please never allow what happened at blank in blank throughout the 60s and 70s to ever happen again. And please demolish the blank school in blank, which is a horrible reminder to everyone who went there.
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223 of 1054
Being held to ransom by perpetrators of abuse through 'silence' has now stopped thanks to the Royal Commission into Child Abuse. It doesn't make the wrongs of the institutions including Australia's archaic legal system any better as damage is done, however my hope is that it make's the future 'brighter' for kids.
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224 of 1054
Thank you for the opportunity of telling my story. I felt respected by all the staff of the Royal Commission. The process has been sensitive and respectful. It has been a light in the blackness. Childhood sexual abuse is a life destroying criminal act not limited to institutions. Education - community education I believe is the way to change the culture of "sweeping it under the carpet". The whole community standing together against child sexual abuse and valuing survivors is the answer.
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225 of 1054
After already doing a lot of healing over the years, the Royal Commission validated my abuse by believing me and also in me. I felt supported and at ease telling my story - so thank you. If by coming forward I can stop one child being abused, it will all be worthwhile.
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226 of 1054
This is and was the hardest thing I have ever had to do and talking about it has given me some sort of calm. Trusting someone with your story is very hard to do, so we must make sure this never happens again to another child. Some people do tell the truth!
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227 of 1054
From the age of fourteen we lived with the abuse silently. This is the start of my recovery, and the long overdue Commission into Child Abuse. I want to say thank-you for your time and your professionalism. Keep fighting the good fight and do all that is necessary to stop child abuse. Once again, thank-you.
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228 of 1054
It was a long time coming but I got to tell my story the way it happened and not judged. It actually happened. Now I can have some closure. Thank you for listening to my story.
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229 of 1054
I wanted and needed a voice, so I could tell my story. Now that I have done it, it has been a big relief and weight off my shoulders. With the big support of my partner by my side, when I spoke to the Commission. Thanks.
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230 of 1054
Honoured to tell my story, as hopefully any place or persons, in the care of children, including carers, parents or guardians, to ensure in the teaching to children, to come forward and report anyone, in anyway who touches them inappropriately at anytime, as in my case. I always felt that I shouldn't as it felt good, and unfortunately felt that in some way I may have been at fault, to which no child should ever feel this way, past, present and future.
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231 of 1054
To survivors: Please know that the range of emotions you feel are valid, and your friends, family and professionals want to help you. To supporters: You have an important role to support, protect and help heal survivors. They have already been let down by trusted adults in the past. Do not repeat the pain and suffering. Be there and help heal the past.
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232 of 1054
My son took his own life. Thank you for the chance to tell you the truth as to why. Thank you for believing me.
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233 of 1054
I'm glad I told my story to the Royal Commission. I hope it can make some big changes to our way of dealing with child sexual abuse. I hope my story helps them do that.
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234 of 1054
G'day - Please talk to your children about the sexual abuse of children! Be aware of any changes in your child's moods/behaviour, do not write it off to hormones! Make sure your children can talk to you about anything! Ensure they know what is cool and what isn't. Love them unconditionally.
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235 of 1054
Please listen to your children and believe in them. Don't ever think they are safe in any institution. I was abused as a teenager in one such place. It still haunts me today. I told no one in my family fearing I would not be believed and locked up away in that terrible place for a lot longer.
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236 of 1054
The Royal Commission has helped me overcome my guilt, it proved cathartic. I had kept my secret for over 40 years, and now I'm free. Thank you.
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237 of 1054
I have opened up and reclaimed my life; my wife and family now enjoy my company in a sober manner. Since I have told my story (after 47 years) I have become more of the person that I always wanted to be. Thank you for listening. If there is one word of advice to give - it would be "tell someone".
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238 of 1054
Thank you sincerely for the opportunity to share the abuse my partner experienced as a child and the impact this has had on him and subsequently our family. Thank you to every person I've had contact with at the Commission. They have all been calm, sincere and compassionate and this has reassured me that the process is confidential and that our story is honoured. This considered professionalism gives assurance that the experiences will be treated with staid respect and that the recommendations to minimise future occurrences will be based on authentic failings of the past.
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239 of 1054
I thank you for your time, I was going to not go due to nerves but I believe in helping our future generations no matter what culture or place. I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. It will always be a work in progress and with support I've got after is a blessing. God bless and kind regards always to the Royal Commission for caring and listening.
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240 of 1054
Gain the inner strength and courage to speak out for the heavy burden will be lifted off your shoulders. I am extremely glad I was supported and heard. Kia Kaha (be strong) Kia Maia (be brave) Kia Manawanui (be steadfast).
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241 of 1054
The abuse has damaged my life greatly, despite me trying to look and act as though I am "normal". The trauma never goes away, however hard I try. Every day is immensely difficult. I am grateful to the Royal Commission people for listening.
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242 of 1054
I can't change the past, but I believe that by speaking out, I have changed the future. Children deserve their innocence, and if for inexcusable reasons it's lost - they deserve to be heard and believed. Thank you Royal Commission for listening and believing, and most importantly, for respecting us and making a change.
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243 of 1054
The Royal Commission really should look more at compensation for victims. I really feel the Salvation Army have gotten off lightly basically because "it was in the past". The Commission must look at compensation as justice for victims.
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244 of 1054
It was the hardest thing to talk about after so many years locked away in the back of my mind. I'm not sure if it's a relief to get it out there but it is very reassuring to tell someone that cares.
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245 of 1054
Thank you to the Royal Commission for hearing my story, it has been overwhelming that my 13 year old voice waited 38 years for this chance to speak, and my 13 year old is very happy.
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246 of 1054
I can now stand proud and tall. My story has been told and for the first time someone listened to it. I will soon be free! But thanks to the Royal Commission you will always be looking over your shoulder.
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247 of 1054
During the last 30 years I have set myself up in DOH accommodation on the Lower North Shore, acquired a pension and - after much arguing - told my family to "bugger off". Mum and Dad are already dead. Having told the Royal Commission of my sexual abuse in refuges where my family dumped me I feel whole again. Thanks.
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248 of 1054
The Royal Commission set me free at last. Free to speak of the unspeakable. I shall be forever grateful to the Royal Commission, and those within it.
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249 of 1054
To have had the opportunity to speak up was amazing, and to know I was believed, and in honour of my son, who carried his abuse for 30 years, couldn't live with it any longer.
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250 of 1054
Thank you. Although I haven't been right mentally for the past fifty years, I can now see things clearer. I just want future generations never having to deal with the same trauma that I and many others have had to live with for such a long time.
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251 of 1054
Having a private session with the Royal Commission was the best thing I have ever done in relation to my abuse, I felt respected and supported. Was such a relief to be heard and acknowledged for what I have endured as a result of the abuse I suffered. Staff were professional, supportive and friendly.
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252 of 1054
Today the sun is shining, the cold damp air dances across my skin. I'm out of my head feeling moments of wonderful peace, momentary freedom. Thank you for your humanness R. Commissioners.
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253 of 1054
Like many others, I feel a great weight lifted, and appreciate this opportunity to share my experiences of an innocent child in a not so compassionate caring environment, it was difficult times then and difficult going to share my story, so I am glad I did, as many cannot.
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254 of 1054
The Royal Commission team has shown me people do care in our society. To be finally believed and understood has helped me get better and as a direct result of this my family has benefitted. The changes I have made have helped me in attracting very good people in my life and now I can become the person I always wanted to be twenty nine years ago. I cannot forget but now I can live. I thank my country - for being Australia.
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255 of 1054
The past cannot be changed, but the future can be changed. Our children should never be abused by the people who are charged with the responsibility of caring for them. Children are the only future Australia has. We must put programs in place such as prevention, education, counselling and protection. Thank you Australia.
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256 of 1054
I thank Julia Gillard for initiating this process - for listening to the cries of people over time and realising something had to be done about it. The Royal Commission enabled me to accompany my daughter, to offer the support needed to enable her to have a voice - to be heard - to count, to have her story accepted as truth with compassion and without intimidation. It is so good that survivors of sexual abuse have been given this opportunity. Hopefully the government will take heed of the recommendations and complete this process appropriately so that children are protected forever and those who have suffered and spoken up, will go forth with a sense of satisfaction and achievement. My hope too, is that victims of bullying, control, harassment and intimidation without the sexual abuse, will too, one day soon, be given the opportunity to reveal their truth through a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Psychological Abuse.
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257 of 1054
Thank you for caring, all who I spoke to made me feel at ease. If this helps children in any way, I have done my job "care for all children".
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258 of 1054
Bringing this abuse to the Royal Commission is the best idea but needs to result in harder penalties for offenders found guilty. There was some confusion regarding redress vs "telling my story". There should be more education of children around "keeping safe". Children in care should be more closely checked.
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259 of 1054
I have carried the shame and self-loathing of what was done to me for almost fifty years. Talking to the Commission was an important step, but I do not know how much longer I can go on. I think that my time is almost over.
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260 of 1054
If you have helped establish or conduct the Commission, thank you for my new wave of healing. May your work and that of us telling the truth help bring the changes needed for safer childhoods.
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261 of 1054
I was happy to sit and talk to the Royal Commission, first time I was able to share my story. Hopefully we can protect our children in the future including their culture.
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262 of 1054
As an Indigenous Australian, to know that my culture is as important as the next culture, regardless of circumstances, race or gender, we are one, we all share the burden of child abuse. And where we all thought at one stage there's no one and we all must suffer. Then there was the Royal Commission, that has made us all feel we will be heard, believed and we are important. And I thank you.
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263 of 1054
Please try to be kind to the most vulnerable in our communities. Empower them and help them to rise above their circumstances. Remember: "Spare the rod and spoil the child" is a lie. Children don't need to be "taught a lesson" by the use of physical violence. The strong have an obligation to help the weak. Sexual abuse of children has the opposite effect, often crippling the child for life. It does damage always.
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264 of 1054
I am an Aboriginal Woman, I went through sexual abuse by a priest in a confession box in a church, my private session with the Royal Commission is a beginning of my healing and to move forward. One positive thing that came out of this process is my husband got to hear my story. He now understands my ongoing depression I have had for many years. I was 11 years old, now I am 47 years old; it still impacts on me.
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265 of 1054
Historically, what the powers that be say they'll do about child sexual abuse and what they actually do do are two separate things. That's why the damage done by child sexual abuse lives on in 2015. Therefore the ultimate measure of our worth as a culture is counted not by what we know, but by what we do with what we know or have accidentally discovered.
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266 of 1054
Many governments have failed thousands of children over many years, welfare name changes over the past 50 years of my life, have wasted many millions of tax paying people of Australia's money in changing name of the welfare departments with little or no fair or transparency to the public, public funds not used properly.
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267 of 1054
I am so relieved, someone believed me and wanted to hear about my pain. Someone I could trust. Even though I feel flat and depressed and have strong feelings, of which elude me at this point in time. I will try and move on with my life and create a brand new me. Thank you!
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268 of 1054
All I can say is thank you - thank you to the Royal Commission, Commissioners and staff. Thank you to the Australian people for this massive commitment.
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269 of 1054
For 60 years this has affected my life. Hopefully now with this Royal Commission, it will help stop future abuse of children. It felt good to finally talk about this.
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270 of 1054
To be treated with respect and to have a sensitivity towards my feelings, taken into consideration, was a new and positive experience! It means I sleep easier at night and much of the anxiety and worry I've carried around with me all my life I can now put aside. Thank you so very much.
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271 of 1054
One of many families so damaged, 40 years begging, pleading for help, justice, protection, fell on deaf ears, stigma, judged, children, grandchildren's lives, ours, swept away, self-harm, unbearable pain, empty, lost, no esteem, dignity gone, too late for us, not for others. Thank you for your ears and hearts. I feel valued now, and peaceful, I can breathe at last.
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272 of 1054
I am no longer that eight year old child. I now have a voice. I am a voice for myself, for my brother (RIP)... for my family. May all children be liberated from harm and abuse and be viewed as the legitimate citizens they are, and treated accordingly.
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273 of 1054
I want to have the strength and courage to move forward which the Royal Commission has given me and also along the way the privilege and the honour to help many more generations to come as our children are our future and need as much advice and support as they can get. Thank you.
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274 of 1054
As a perpetrator I do not ask for forgiveness. As a victim I ask only to live a good life with no recriminations.
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275 of 1054
Hi. After spending 15 1/2 years in the system I would like to take this chance to thank the Royal Commission and anyone else involved in dealing with child sexual abuse and hope we can stop child abuse happening again. So thank-you again and God bless to all involved.
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276 of 1054
Thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for believing. Thank you for your outrage. Thank you.
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277 of 1054
Having had a private session, which availed the opportunity to supply the government with facts relating to my abuse as a child, I now expect to finally see changes to prevent this in the future. Then and only then will my healing begin! Please, please, please let this be real and not just some trick by the government... please.
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278 of 1054
The Commissioner was the last step in my journey, after my childhood abuser was jailed. The guilt and shame remain but the empathy and understanding the Commissioner gave me, will help me heal. Knowing my feedback will assist in making the process easier for other victims is wonderful.
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279 of 1054
For us that once had no voice now we can be heard and for us who's lives were destroyed now can begin to heal.
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280 of 1054
Coming forward to tell my story was very emotional. The memories which were in the past have been relived. I now have the task of putting them away to get on with life and it was worth the effort in such a caring place.
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281 of 1054
Children are precious and also vulnerable. We, as a society, need to protect all children and we are now much better at this, thanks to organisations like Bravehearts and the Royal Commission. Follow examples set by these above and keep protecting children and listening to their wishes for safety and advocacy.
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282 of 1054
Thank you for helping the children that have suffered. You have lightened my load and pain. I will be eternally grateful that you took the time to listen.
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283 of 1054
The Commissioner and staff were very supportive, respectful and present for me. This helped me tell my story in a calm and centred way. I felt a great sense of achievement, relief and power from this experience. Thank you.
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284 of 1054
The Royal Commission has extended to me understanding, empathy and belief. These months since I spoke to the Commission have been trying, however when I think about the kindness that the staff of the Commission gave to me I know there is hope for the future.
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285 of 1054
Hi. My name is blank, story is one of many and my feelings for how I was treated are that of much stress and overwhelming I have carried it for so long in my heart that it was a relief to know that I wasn't alone. I only wish well for all who had to endure the pain and suffering to put their best foot forward and live for the now. God bless.
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286 of 1054
The Royal Commission gave me a voice and believed me. My former school were defensive and their half-hearted reactions to my report made me feel diminished and embarrassed. Once the Royal Commission came about, my old school changed their response to one of responsibility and compassion. It should have been like that from the beginning. The school's response caused me further trauma.
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287 of 1054
When a young, innocent child is taken advantage of by a selfish adult in a premeditated and predatory way, the sense of helplessness is profound. This betrayal cannot be easily undone. Thank you to the Commissioners and their team for beginning to right these wrongs.
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288 of 1054
Australia, I am a survivor of sexual abuse. Just know if you are a victim you are never alone. This is Australia! The best country in the world, friends are always close by, and there's always a brighter day. May you find strength in Allah, and peace be upon you all. Sincerely, a friend.
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289 of 1054
My message to this great country of Australia is that children who have been in care, should be treated with respect. Boys and girls should not be moved together growing up, because when abuse happens between them and when you tell the authorities about it, you get no support and it makes you feel guilty, ashamed, also feel like a piece of rubbish. How is healing ever supposed to happen ever!!!!
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290 of 1054
Attending the private session was the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the most rewarding. Now I can begin to heal the deep wounds inside me. Now, at last, I can begin to live.
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291 of 1054
Have someone there to complain to that's not connected to the homes. "Trust no one"
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292 of 1054
Keep our children safe and you will be protecting their future. They are precious each and every one.
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293 of 1054
The Royal Commission game me the courage to finally report my abuse. Courage which I thought I'd never have. I'm no longer a victim; I'm a survivor.
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294 of 1054
Thank you to the Royal Commission for giving the abused child inside of me a voice and forum to tell of my abuse. Having told my story, and for it to be believed, has given me an overwhelming sense of relief. Hopefully those guilty of the abuse of us vulnerable children, who had their childhoods forever damaged, will be brought to justice. Let our collective stories be a lesson to future generations that this never happens again. I am one of the lucky ones. I am a survivor.
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295 of 1054
Be aware that if you are molested by anyone you should tell someone you trust. Don't leave it until it's too late to e.g. after the abuser has died, as in my case, as you are not always believed. Even after many years, it is difficult to forget.
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296 of 1054
Hopefully this helps the next generation and our own children to never have to endure what happened to us. God forbid and protect them, thank you to the Royal Commission to acknowledge what trauma had happened to us.
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297 of 1054
I cry a thousand tears every day for the loss of my beautiful son who was unable to speak out about his sexual abuse whilst at boarding school. Through the Royal Commission I now know he has a voice to speak on his behalf, an ear to listen and hearts that care. May the angels watch over him.
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298 of 1054
I am a scared child in a man's body. I thought no one would ever believe what happened to me. Now I have spoken maybe my brain can start to mature and I can become a 'real' man. It shouldn't of happened but it did and now I've let the story out of "the prison in my head". I have never spoken up but I do feel better for doing so. Speak up!
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299 of 1054
The Royal Commission was my way of letting go 55 years of silence. To share this with people who cared and listened is important - many thanks!!
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300 of 1054
Keeping the abuse secret for many years caused me immense suffering. Telling my story to the Royal Commission has made me feel better. Australia can lead the world in ensuring children are kept safe from child abuse.
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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.