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.
301 of 1054
Thank you for the opportunity for the private session at the Royal Commission. It opened up some old wounds, but I am pleased that I have now had my say! Everyone was most supportive and understanding towards me. I hope my part has contributed to what should never happen anymore to children.
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302 of 1054
The Commission was good. The Commissioner was true and their understanding shone through. Thanks so much for your understanding and all your needing to do good. God Bless each and everyone of you.
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303 of 1054
I will never forget my journey that was so hard. I hate that we were only 10 months in Australia. My mum and myself wanted to go back to Scotland but I was abused when I was taken into care. I was abused, seemed to be wherever I went. My life was full of abuse.
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304 of 1054
Finally after 80 years I have spoken to the people who can make sure no child black or white will never have to suffer the way I did.
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305 of 1054
Thanks to the Royal Commission I have found a place where my story is welcome. The grace offered to me as I told my story was a healing gift from God made possible by people who are brave enough to risk hearing something that is deeply upsetting. If only the church could too.
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306 of 1054
Please look after our children, listen to what they are telling us. After my talk to the RC I feel finally someone believes us as what has happened to us. We all are important. Thank you.
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307 of 1054
I haven't told anybody about the abuse I suffered from an early age that has tormented me for many years. Now that I've told my story to the Royal Commission I feel much more relieved and positive about my future and the healing I need. Thank God the institutions are shut down now. Hoping that this doesn't happen to other children.
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308 of 1054
This has consumed me all my life and caused many unhappy situations for myself and my family. To be able to tell anyone for the first time for me was like being reborn. My heart goes out to all the other men, women and children who have suffered and are so grateful for the people that are that of the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse.
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310 of 1054
Thank you for being very understanding. I lived with the abuse for 52 years, and I feel a load has been lifted off my shoulders, now I will get on with the rest of my life. Thanks a lot.
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311 of 1054
Changing the way we think about something can set us free. There's a great sense of relief and freedom that flows from this. My counsellor challenged me to "forgive" my perpetrator, "somehow" I managed to do this, and the sense of freedom and peace of mind that came from this was incredible. I hope all victims of sexual abuse, bullying and domestic violence can find it within to forgive and begin to feel happiness and peace within. My meeting with the Royal Commission was a wonderful, empowering experience. Thank you for the opportunity to attend.
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312 of 1054
The R. Comm is vital in the protection of children now and forever. The RC staff are compassionate and willing to assist. Any church that does not place people or children before its reputation is false!
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313 of 1054
I am so grateful of the Royal Commission. The sexual abuse I received as a child ruined my life. I am 42. I hope no other child has to endure the torture I did.
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314 of 1054
Thank you for giving me the chance to speak at the Royal Commission. It was the best feeling for me.
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315 of 1054
After fronting the Royal Commission and getting the satisfaction to share my experiences and with the help I have been provided after telling my story is the first step to healing from the past.
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316 of 1054
Please listen to all children, they are pure and innocent, so when they say or act out of the normal it means something is wrong. Children should only ever see and feel happiness, joy, security and most of all love.
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317 of 1054
For 49 years I have kept the sexual abuse to myself. I have found telling my story very traumatising. I only pray that all children speak up and there is someone there that will listen and believe in them. And make sure it does not happen to any other child, God forbid.
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318 of 1054
I am so very grateful to have been able to share my story and have the help and support that is provided after hearing my story which I thought nobody would ever believe me. Now I can get on with my life. Thank you.
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319 of 1054
People use drugs to relieve the pain of past emotional and physical harms. To persecute people for innocuous drug use, is to persecute the already downtrodden.
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320 of 1054
I was so relieved to be finally able to tell my story. The treatment by the Commission was superb. I hope my story helps in the way all children need to be treated. I can now, after 60 years move on in life. Thank you very much.
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321 of 1054
Sharing my message with the Commission has opened the pathway to healing and has given me the opportunity to be heard and believed. This experience, while painful, has shown me that institutions do care and that many others share my pain. While this process can't right the wrong it can bring to light what was once done in the dark and ensure this type of abuse won't be tolerated any longer.
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322 of 1054
I thought I was dealing with my problem but after my chance to share my story with the Royal Commission I felt a great burden had been lifted. I was very apprehensive before my interview but now I'm pleased I went ahead with it. Don't carry the burden, share it, it's all confidential.
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323 of 1054
If I hadn't confided in the Royal Commission with my dark hidden secret that I hadn't told anyone in detail for over 50 years, then I would have taken it to my grave. No child should ever have to deal with this traumatic history.
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324 of 1054
I was nothing but a number - 8. I am now something and I serve a king, the Lord Jesus Christ.
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325 of 1054
Thank you for listening, and thank you for caring. I feel that now this was a great step for me to have a better life. I was so proud of myself for being so strong. Lets hope that now, no more children suffer.
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326 of 1054
I feel so much better after telling my story, not many people get this chance. I feel like I could move the earth with my hands. I can finally move on and live a normal life.
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327 of 1054
I was taken from my home as a child in Rockhampton and brought to Brisbane. I am grateful I was able to share my story with the Royal Commission even though it was not easy for me to do. It brought up many horrible memories for me. I am glad somebody did listen and are going to do something about it.
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328 of 1054
Children need love and validation, those two ingredients are the fertilizers for growth and achievement. Children need protecting. Children need to be heard and adults have got to hear them to love and protect them.
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329 of 1054
Please protect, love and honour our beautiful children and never let them suffer the way we have had to, at the hands of people we trusted and thought would look after us in our hour of need.
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330 of 1054
I want to thank the Royal Commission for supporting me in my time of need in sharing my story of the sexual and physical abuse I suffered in an institution; 30 years of pain and suffering have been lifted from my shoulders. I hope my story goes a long way to helping the children of Australia. Thank you for the support.
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331 of 1054
Meeting with the Royal Commission (was scary) the first to hear about my story. It was difficult to be 15 years in an orphanage and my life worthwhile. Pray and hope through this investigation, the gapes that I faced, today's children will not - I am moving forward, good days bad days but I can move with freedom.
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332 of 1054
Thank you for allowing me to have the opportunity to tell my terrible life I lived since the age of 6 years old. No one ever cared about my terrible past. I now feel that I have finally done justice to those people involved. Thank-you.
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333 of 1054
First I thank the Royal Commission. Living with this for 40 years has taken its toll on me. Some days I feel like rubbing myself out from all the pain. But now after telling my story has helped me be stronger. A compensation fund for the victims should also be open. We need as much help as possible.
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334 of 1054
I was really glad when I got to tell my story to the Royal Commission. My message to Australia is don't let this happen to our children, teach them about sexual abuse so they know what to do to avoid it.
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335 of 1054
Silence is like a cancer it just keeps growing but you and the team at the Royal Commission have given me the tools and support to beat it now. The ball is now in the Federal Government's court to ensure the States deal with Redress in a fair and just manner.
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336 of 1054
I am so pleased that the Government is reaching out to us the victims and listening to our stories.
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337 of 1054
From 13 years old no one will believe me, believe the abuser. Thanks for taking my childhood away from me. What about my life, what about my dreams, have no dreams, all dead. Still hate myself 38 years on.
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338 of 1054
I have waited 42 years to tell my story. Now that I have done so I feel like I have handed back to my abuser the responsibility, shame and guilt that I have been carrying throughout my life. Now I hope to start the long road to healing my life.
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339 of 1054
I was abused as a sixteen year old boy. For forty years I could not talk about the abuse and suffered in silence. My post traumatic stress disorder affected myself, my family, my friends and my community. One day I told my story and it felt like I had been released from my solitary confinement cell where it all began. I have told my story and now I am free. Thank you Australia for listening to my story.
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340 of 1054
I hope future children do not go through what I had to. Thank God for the work the Commission is doing. This has to stop for the children in care.
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342 of 1054
Learn how to have difficult conversations so that discomfort and silence does not prevail!
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343 of 1054
We are brave, strong and survivors. Do not let history repeat itself again. Nobody should have to go through what we did.
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344 of 1054
I would like to thank the Royal Commission for listening to my story. I was very surprised when the Commissioner said I was honest and truthful. I feel as if a tonne has been lifted off my shoulders.
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345 of 1054
Thank you to the Commission for providing the opportunity to tell what I as a young boy endured at the hands of a man. My sincere hope is that my grandchildren and their children to come will always be protected from this type of abuse, and feel safe in their school environment.
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346 of 1054
Thank you for the opportunity to tell my story. You cannot know what it meant to be listened to with such respect and made to feel that what happened to me really mattered. I hope my experience will help to promote the change needed to prevent this ever happening to another child.
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347 of 1054
I feel liberated by the truth. Finally the church is accountable. I'm proud of myself for speaking the truth. I'm very grateful for the Royal Commission.
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348 of 1054
I have been listened to. For the first time in my life I do not feel like an object of no meaning. I matter. Thank you.
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349 of 1054
I felt relaxed in front of the Commissioner and relieved after telling my story.
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350 of 1054
Paedophiles condemn their victims to a life of virtual solitary confinement, walled in by fear, shame, guilt, depression, confusion, secrets and lies, their lives are never the same again. As a victim you only learn to live with it; you never get over it. As their nefarious ways are exposed and the light of justice exposes them one by one, may they learn and experience the fear and negative emotions that they inflicted upon their victims and never rest at peace again.
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351 of 1054
I am glad I had a chance to tell my story to the Royal Commission. Everyone involved were lovely. And very considerate to my feeling of shameful hurting, from the abuse I had been carrying around for 46 years. I can now try and put these feelings to rest. I hope, wish and pray a solution to the problem, will come out of all of this. Thank you for listening.
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352 of 1054
I found the private session with the Commissioner to be of enormous personal help. To be listened to with such compassion and empathy was very supportive. It also gave me some insight of the next steps for the Commission to start to be able to address the abuse issues.
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353 of 1054
I hid my pain for 50 years, when it surfaced again it nearly killed me, now I can live again.
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354 of 1054
Thank-you Royal Commission, at last the shame has been placed back where it belongs, with the abusers and the trusted clergy who turned a blind eye and moved these bad priests around to avoid detection.
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355 of 1054
The measure of a society is how it looks after its weakest and most vulnerable. Please be a voice for those who don't have one.
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356 of 1054
Thank God we live in a country where the Catholic Church can be questioned about its past. My story has helped the Commission. I feel empowered. Thank you Royal Commission. Now I can sleep better. X
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357 of 1054
To all survivors, who made it to the Royal Commission, to share your 'story', I stand beside you. There is always, hope, help and healing. We will make a difference.
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358 of 1054
As hard as it was to talk of what had happened, the Royal Commission were amazing on so many levels. They really listened. This was a positive step to have our story heard to someone who is moving forward with positive steps to prevent this from happening and to help victims to overcome such a traumatic experience. Thank you to all the team of the Royal Commission.
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359 of 1054
My private session reflection... To be listened to, and heard, with such compassion and empathy has enabled me to reconnect with a sense of hope that, at long last, all those little boys' pain and despair will possibly be vindicated within the depths of meaningful justice...
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360 of 1054
My message to Australia is that sexual abuse, especially to children or exposure to this abuse as a child destroys your entire life. A life you cannot live twice. Because of this I will never be a man, and probably can never be a father. You can't put a price on that.
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361 of 1054
Children are our future. The past can't change but can repeat itself. So how about we all pull together and stamp out child abuse. We could all band together and lobby the government to change the laws to protect our children and punish the offenders. We could have a public sex offender register, which means they would have a case manager for the rest of their lives and a scheme for children to report quicker to limit the damage. Come on Australia it's time to change for the future. Thank you.
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362 of 1054
I am glad I went ahead in talking about my past with the Royal Commission. The past never goes away. I hope in the future, there will never be another child abused, and have to go through what I had to go through. Thank you.
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363 of 1054
Please understand that child sexual abuse not only affects the victims but his/her parents, siblings, future husband/wife, their children, friends and even acquaintances. The pain of sexual abuse never goes away! It feels like it is indelibly etched into your DNA.
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364 of 1054
My private session with the Commission was a positive and empowering step towards healing a very damaged past. It was a great way for me to tell my story in full about the abuse I encountered by a government institution, without judgement. I was listened to with compassion, kindness and respect which has allowed me to move forward and be ok.
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365 of 1054
It's my choice to be a victim or a survivor. It's my choice to forgive or hate. It's my choice to look forward or back. So I have chosen to love the life I have. I have chosen to forgive those who hurt me, because I don't know who hurt them. My "Message to Australia": I ask you to do the same. The action of hate fixes nothing.
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366 of 1054
Australia, it's time we stop making such a fuss after these abuses happen. It's time we spent money and energy on helping to prevent these things from happening. As a survivor I believe we must help those who are at risk of offending, because each offence we stop is another safer, healthier, happy child.
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367 of 1054
I will not try to understand why two people I trusted took away a part of me forever. You see I was starting to learn who I was and what I wanted to be. Didn't they know it was wrong? I was left with the gift of sorrow. I wanted to forget - do you blame me. Another unwanted gift of shame ensured I stayed silent. The one thing that saved me was my newborn son cradled in my arms. He gave me hope for the future. His life completely dependent on me to love, care, nurture and to protect. All the things I wanted I will now give to him and I will no longer remain silent. Now I realise how strong I am.
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368 of 1054
Please learn Forgotten Australian Care Leavers history so that we receive the understanding and support we need. Please no longer forget us.
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369 of 1054
I told my story and felt relieved. Finally listened to and also believed.
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370 of 1054
Other people's actions do not make you a bad person, never let your past control your future, you are special, you are strong and brave. I believe in you, together we can all move forward to a positive future.
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371 of 1054
Keeping the sexual abuse bottled up inside me for the past 51 years and having nightmares has taken its toll on me and the best thing I did to relieve myself of that pain was to get help in counselling and to tell my story to the Royal Commission on behalf of 2 brothers and myself.
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372 of 1054
Even though coming to my private session was scary, I stood against all that evil, a big universal shift has occurred. I have me back.
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373 of 1054
It has been 18 years since I've spoken about my story, it's such a weight off my shoulders knowing I'm supported by a good cause. It has helped me through this and it's changed my life someone listened!
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374 of 1054
I told my story to the Royal Commission in the hope that I may have helped - in some small way - that no child will ever have to endure what I did! All childhoods should be carefree. Free from the lifelong consequences of another person's abuse!
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375 of 1054
When a predator steals a child's rights, dignity and potential, they rob society of a healthy and sustainable future. Children never fully recover from this kind of violation. They grow up into adults, carrying anguish, shame and guilt. Protect our most vulnerable, precious resource 'our children', for a civilised society!
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376 of 1054
I have carried the stigma of sexual assault for 57 years until a program on TV prompted me to relate my story to my life. I was visibly upset and not sure where to go. We told a catholic priest, a very good friend of ours, who advised us where and how to get help. It's been a long journey for us. Thanks to some wonderful people and the Royal Commission for their support.
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377 of 1054
Being a father, my main aim in co-operating with this Commission is to help in any way, that this can never happen again to an innocent child in a so called safe school environment.
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378 of 1054
We must not forget the secondary abuse victims. My brother was abused as a child and molested, his abuser's behaviour on me. My abuse was not compensated, not was it acknowledged by my family. Thank you to the Royal Commission for acknowledging my pain and hurt. I feel more at peace with what has happened to me.
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379 of 1054
There was the face to face pastoral care which had a positive impact for me. And this was very... the best word to describe it is, aboriginal... The nature of the face to face was as follows. We would meet irregularly for lunch and would walk to one of parks, near to the Cathedral. To chat and eat lunch. So we were out in the open, amongst the lawns, blue skies, and bright sunshine that would be all around. The city and people were nearby, yet not close enough to intrude. And the conversation was often about everything else. Yet while I don't specifically remember when I talked about this less happy stuff, I did talk about it... like I said, this pattern of pastoral care was very aboriginal, and it was something I was very comfortable with, something that made me feel very safe... Like the friends from long ago, who over a cup of tea around the lunch table, said nothing in words, yet said everything in that cup of tea... You are going to be ok mate.
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380 of 1054
I held on to my story for 32 years. The Royal Commission was a safe environment in which to share my story with the hope that the information gathered by them will be used to reduce the risk for other children. The fact that a Royal Commission exists sends a huge message about the attitude change of Australians towards childhood sexual abuse.
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381 of 1054
We are meant to be God's children but instead we ended up victims of abuse. Shouldn't God's children be treated with respect, reassurance and guidance! Children are intelligent beings and need to learn to trust. Without trust there is only fear. We showed them that we were brave and we survived to soldier on.
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382 of 1054
Don't think that you're alone or no one will believe you because no one male or female deserves to be abused sexually or physically. Don't live in fear like I did. You are better than that. A life lived in fear is a life half lived. Speak up and take control of your life and together we can heal and make a better future for the next generation...
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383 of 1054
My message to Australia is to make kids first and not money. People mature with values if they are respected when they are children. To love children is to love life.
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384 of 1054
Thank you for letting me tell my story - but even greater thanks for knowing that I was heard.
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385 of 1054
A paedophile not only steals your childhood, but a big part of your adult life as well.
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386 of 1054
I have suffered from child abuse in the home and child sexual abuse with bullying in the institutional workplace for many years and for no good reason, it was shocking and damaging. There needs to be an education program for all parents and employees in order to address these issues now! An elective 'safety zone' system would be a good idea, offering protection to vulnerable Australians, right now!
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387 of 1054
I have a voice and bare witness to these things that happened. So we can learn and appreciate what the loss of innocence can be and to declare loudly this is wrong. So that it may never ever happen again. I have a voice that will not be silenced by fear or threat, but will overcome the tormentors and rise to take my place. I declare I have a voice. And my story is important.
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388 of 1054
I attended the private session with the Royal Commission in Newcastle. The gentleman there listened to me and treated me with respect and after nearly 50 years he believed me and was compassionate. After my abuse as a state ward I felt that someone really did care. Thank you.
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389 of 1054
At last the weight is being lifted. The shame is slowly being taken away. Having someone to talk to, and people understanding is a dream come true. I wish for no one to go through what I have. Please be more checks on all families. Keep our children safe. Thankyou Royal Commission.
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390 of 1054
To all parents and carers, please listen to me, embrace and honour your child. A child is the most precious gift you will ever have. Cherish, protect and love your child. Never leave anything to chance. Do not be naive. I did all I could to be the best parent I could possibly be. All my years of nurturing were ripped away in a few moments. A vicious, violent sexual assault that has and will impact our lives forever. Innocence lost, a deep sadness that never goes away. Appreciate your child for the innocent lives that have been stolen. Thank you.
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391 of 1054
Thank you for providing my first opportunity to be heard, my first opportunity for sympathy from people who matter and for taking my story seriously. I no longer feel I was wrong to have spoken out. You have changed the course of my otherwise downward-spiralling life. Thank you for listening, bringing about change and for helping to heal the past.
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392 of 1054
I feel a lot more free now. Finally, and feel someone is taking the matter seriously. I feel like my pain has been lifted somewhat. I feel less ashamed now because I see all the other people come forward.
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393 of 1054
Hello my name is blank. Thank you "Australia" for listening. I will always carry the pain of being abandoned and abused as a child. Choose religion very carefully, be certain that religion keeps a loving tight family unit. I will now move on, stand tall and proud that I am part of change. Thank God for the Commissioner.
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394 of 1054
My message to Australia is to say I came forward with what happened to me as a child at school. The women that I spoke with were wonderful and the support before and after the session was very professional. Don't be afraid to speak out. Thank you Royal Commission.
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395 of 1054
Perhaps now the authorities will take more control over institutions so these crimes against children won't occur. For me I've lived with it for 70 years, no question it affected my adult life but I've lived it and moved on and in the process helped others.
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396 of 1054
I was too scared to tell anyone and ashamed of my past, but since telling the Royal Commission it has helped me towards healing my past because it was not my fault, now it's up to the government to complete the journey.
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397 of 1054
After 37 years, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders after sharing my story with the Royal Commission. They really listened. It was important to be heard. All the team were wonderful. I can now move forward in my life without the shame and guilt. Thank you.
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398 of 1054
If you don't want it you don't have to put up with it. No means no!! You have control of your life, don't let someone else take that from you. Stop it now so you can live your life happy. Sexual abuse is a crime no matter who is doing it. Act now, be happy and confident in life and put an end to abuse forever for everyone it affects, I did so can you.
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399 of 1054
Too late? I wish my story was the only one, but it's not, not by a long shot. I wish my twin brother had survived, but he didn't, just took one shot. Didn't really take his own life, a priest did, when we were just eight. My life goes on, and on and on, for him it's too late.
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400 of 1054
It is hoped the future of children will not be left in predatory care, as the endeavours of the Commission centre on the hundreds of millions to share. While victims are living the life long nightmare of despair that only a million dollars could help to repair. Who does really care for all the tears shed in despair, who?
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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.