Message to Australia

Australian law is a load of crap, it follows America too much when it should follow England. I am an Aboriginal. I was fostered to blank.

Wake up everyone - "Every child deserves", 'kind and gentle love', not adults', or teens' perverted 'lusting love'! Scars ruin lives - on all levels. Parents, schools, religions and governments, must stand firm from 2014. CSA must be in the public mind - only by your actions - forever more - end it now!!

Some people never really get a break from the beginning, and life goes from bad to worse! Domestic violence, suicide of parents, institutional care, sexual abuse, coverups, blame, shame... I'm so very lucky, in spite of my childhood, I broke the cycle. I did not survive, I triumphed. Have compassion for those who didn't make it. The suicides, the druggies, the prostitutes, the victims we lock up in our jails and mental institutions - they were once small, perfect, vulnerable, sweet, innocent children.

I would like to thank the commissioners for the meeting as it helped me and my wife. But after 58 years it is very hard to not hate the RC, church and their so called brothers. I can only hope that if there is a hell, I can take a shovel with me to put coal on blank and the rest of the mongrels.

I am glad the Royal Commission came to see me. I did not speak about my abuse because it still felt so raw. Instead I wrote a five page story about my sexual abuse. Even though it has taken 45 years to speak about it, a big weight has been lifted.

Dedicated - to my 3 sons, 2011 my original quote - My greatest hope is that every reader can relate to it's word to word definition - "enjoy". Your knowledge is your opportunity for wisdom. Your wisdom is your opportunity for movement. Your movement is your opportunity in life. A number, that is still a human.

Thanks Julia Gillard this is what we've been screaming for. No one should have to go through what happened to us. Now it's time for the government to act! No more pain for the kids.

Mummy: After living with the hurt and shame and personal fears of the impacts of what I endured from the sexual abuse of the Anglican church a blank. To tell my story to such kind, considerate and caring people has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, truly a release a parent deserves. Thank you all, I truly hope now justice will prevail. I believe you have saved my life!!

It's been 45 years since it happened to me but I found the Royal Commission through my sister. So I told my story of sexual abuse in institutional care. It hurt, but the little child is finally heard and is now free. I pray that all our Australian children be safe, for our future.

New start - police (investigate all) - welfare (remove all) - judged (bad forever). I was placed in a home. It was a very bad place. I'm still suffering 60 years, no justice for me and my children, and grandchildren. The changes that must be made is the "welfare", the "police" and the "family members", "all paedophiles" , they run the child stealing - porno - remove all. Bad lawyers - remove all. Bad welfare - remove all. Remove all bad police and judges.

Don't just survive, thrive! Let us not be defined by what happened to us. Trust our own intuition within us to see and be the great person we were made to be. Carry yourself with dignity and grace. The people who judge and hurt us see only in the limited perspective they have, trust and walk strong in your own footprints. Thank you Royal Commission.

Very glad to have been able to be part of this hearing. Blank. The other members of staff were very caring. Thank you for giving me the chance to talk.

The private session allowed me to say what happened and how my life has been affected. I've carried a mass of heavy baggage since 1960. The opportunity to tell the (my common) story in one go, rather than touch on one aspect one year and then another aspect years later, has been important (healing I hope). The sensitivity of the organisers was impressive.

Commissioners: Dear Helen Milroy, Peter McClellan, this was a poem written about my life by my friend and helped with her 3 children. Please include in your book: On a quiet night in August, a little babe was born, as the babe was placed in her crib, her mother was torn. Knowing from the bottom of her heart that day, that she would have to go away. and not hold her precious baby, the one with the beautiful face - She was told she was not able to care for her - the babe would be brought up in a better place. Then, full of emptiness, she walked away at a very slow pace, hoping one day she would again see her daughter's precious face. Years went by and the babe grew in the care of others as a 'ward of the state', what that little girl went through makes me feel really irate. The abuse she suffered at the hands of people who were meant to care, made the little girl wonder if there really was a god out there. But no care could hear her as she cried every night, they didn't even help her when she screamed and put up a fight. The little girl wished so many times her mum would come to save her and wipe away her tears, the knowledge she had was much beyond her years. Behind the scenes, her mother wondered every day if her little girl was still alive, she fought for years but gave up in 1975. So you might ask what happened to this little girl I mention here today, she has grown older and believes someone needs to pay - for the pain and suffering she felt as a child, and the nightmares she still has that drive her wild. She has been married, but unfortunately that did not work out, she really didn't learn as a child what love was all about. And now today she gets her strength from helping others to achieve, results in making people not so naive - about sexual abuse and how it has been around too long, and not talked about enough, and our justice system - that it's just not tough. You are courageous my friend, you've been through so much in your life, don't give up your fight and keep helping those who need to get paedophiles into strife. 11 March 1999 - This poem is dedicated to a friend of mine that has been there to help me - you know who you are. This is also dedicated to all those children who lost their innocence at the hands of the wicked they should have been able to trust.

There have been many dark and lonely moments in the 40 years since I was first assaulted. The struggle through police reports, confiding in family and friends, legal proceedings, church processes has been utterly exhausting. To have the opportunity to report my 40 year experience to a Royal Commission has left me feeling like my struggles have mattered; that I have been completely understood by people who have the ability and power to change how people in my circumstances are treated. Finally I can rest. Thank you.

A lifetime of shame for being a kid, a lifetime of detention for protection, a lifetime of a kid that no-one wanted, didn't mean I was open season for monsters, 44 years of not being believed, like it never happened, but it did!

The Royal Commission listened and believed in what happened to me 53 years ago, being sent to jail at the age of 14 years. Let's hope we can achieve good results.

We suffered the pain now the catholic church will forever suffer the shame. All children must be protected from abuse as the memory may last a lifetime.

If a little child looks up at you with tears in his eyes just because he is small, he's not so full of lies. Listen to him and believe in him, he is full of sorrow. Because this is his life of here and now and a life for his tomorrow.

Without a conscious memory of my abuse, it has been difficult to speak. In doing so, with such sensitive listeners, I feel I have been validated. The job of healing continues, but this has been a huge step in the process. Thank you.

Thank you all for your support and compassion. I do think this is a wonderful thing and the Commission I know is having a profound beneficial impact on our country.

Wow! Not only are they listening, they are believing. Thanks to Julia Gillard the truth is out. I feel free of all the filth I had to endure. Please never go back down that road again. We were not the guilty, they were. Now is the time for justice to prevail. Don't look back.

Child abuse within a religious or secular institution must be made mandatory to report to police. If the institution is found to have covered up the crime, protected the perpetrator, or dealt with the crime within the institution only, the institution must be prosecuted. The institution must in any case be required to make and pay restitution to victim/s.

I'm a survivor of child sexual abuse and I was shocked recently reading how a reported number of people who also went through it committed suicide. As a victim of it personally, I see myself as a lucky person having been able to survive it as my circumstances were also horrid as I didn't have the support of the educational institution at the time (as we all should have!) so it boiled down to "what cannot be cured must be endured". I got physically abused after that as I refused the advances of the perpetrator (for a long time afterwards) and I wished I was dead as there was no other option available to me at the time and it was all so painful! I'm happy to have been part of the Royal Commission and wished it'd happened sooner. Now it's also only a matter of time to get the compensation I rightly deserve! "What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger", so my message is don't let these bad actions of these people ruin a good life as I'm just happy to have survived it and making the most out of my life after this experience that could've otherwise turned out a lot worse and I know how much others have been suffering as it's been a very hard time for me but there's always a way to make life better so these types of people won't/don't get away with it! When it's time to talk about it that's right for you, whether it's counselling as I did or just reaching out to a good friend/family member - please don't be ashamed as it isn't your fault and "there's no excuse for abuse" so you don't have to keep quiet about it all of your life as it's what the other person wrongly did to you - remember blank being one of the first men to publicly admit he'd survived sexual abuse? How inspiring! If a celebrity can "come out about it", it doesn't hurt for us people in the community to, either. I'm pleased now I was able to after all the pain I'd to suffer for years alone. It's great to "take a stand" and thanks to the Royal Commission it's working our for the best... I always say "better late than never" as healing's the best way to go! I'll never be capable of forgetting entirely and forgiving's also another story, but I'm healed as I never let it destroy me even though it came close to that happening to me too. I'm just so sorry for those people and their loved ones that they didn't make it to "tell their tale" as I have and I'm now very satisfied! It's working out for the better and the best is yet to come in my life now I'm no longer "a silent sufferer". I've empowered myself and it's the best outcome.

It was "no problem" telling "my story" to the Royal Commission, the "truth" must be told, all the lies that have been "kept secret" by the "Christian Brothers", the "Roman Catholic Church" are finally being exposed. "The abuse will never stop", though I wish it really would. Speaking to the Royal Commission(er) I felt I was believed and heard. Though I live with the pain and suffering every day, I have to stay strong for my children. My message to Australia is please listen to the children in these institutions. "Thank you". We are all supposed to be role models in this day and age. How you are treated as a child stays with you forever. May "God Almighty" bring "Justice and Peace" to all those affected.

I hope by sharing my story it will help any other child not go through what I went through as a 10 year old little boy. I still have nightmares about the abuse I had to deal with. I was put in care to be looked after not to be abused by my carers and old boys at these boys' homes. I had kept it in till I spoke to the Commission. I'm a 48 year old man. I carried that with me. I still don't trust many people to this day and the abuse just wasn't at the boys' homes, my own uncle abused me also. For many years I was a lost little boy who took to drugs and alcohol to try and deal with the demons I carried around for many years. I have been in and out of jail also for many years. After speaking to the Commission I feel like a ton of bricks lift off me and I would like to thank the Commission for the work they have done to better the way these boys' homes are run and this does not happen again. Thank you for listening to my story.

I blank am glad that I had spoken with the Commission. I would like any juvenile who has been in the situation I have been in to come forward and don't be scared. I wasn't you will feel a lot better if you do.

There is/was no excuse for what they did to us or what they allowed to be done to us.

Thank you again. The Commissioner express their power and passion to listen not only to me, but Australia's survivors of sexual abuse. We the people acknowledge the true value and deep understanding you, our faith, our teacher please listen and let the sun shine on our soul, our hearts specially our face again. Mr Fitzgerald thank you from someone who cares. Specially everything Australian, your help made me smile again. We need you.

The worst thing I thought was not being believed and to be thrashed because "priests and brothers don't do those things"!! Although the events occurred 65 years ago when I was nine, my memories are still vivid. Thank you all for the opportunity to let it all off my chest.

Thank you so much, the Royal Commission was a huge step forward. I have carried a heavy burden in my heart for 60 years it was a wonderful feeling to release a lot of heartfelt pain.

My name is blank. I was born in blank and was placed into welfare care in the State of Victoria, then given back to my parents in 1968. In 1969 we moved to NSW the outer suburbs of Sydney and was directly under the welfare system of NSW. I was placed in many children's homes here in NSW blank. I was a child who was sexually abused in and while under care in Victoria, then when we moved to NSW the same things were happening not only in the government children's homes but that of the out of home care run blank. During the time the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse was announced by the former Prime Minister Julia Gillard I had given my story to the Royal Commission on 29th August 2013, about the crime I had suffered, of the sexual and physical abuse I suffered. I'm glad the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse has come about. For years prior to the Royal Commission I have attended many protests in public to tell our story, wrote so many letters to all different politicians, some listened and some never cared. I gave the speech at the NSW State apology on the 19th September 2009 at the Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens for the lost innocent victims as I was one of the many hundreds of thousands this abuse sexually and physically happened to. Even though the NSW State apology given on the 19th of September 2009, by the former NSW Premier Nathan Rees, the month of November and the 16th November 2009, the former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd gave us all an apology in the Great Hall Canberra where both me and my children's mother attended as she did at the NSW State apology. We are grateful that our stories have now been heard and we are being listened to, and can only hope that our stories will help stopping child abuse against all children, today's current children and that of our future generations of children. We have tried our hardest to stop these crimes happening to our own children and their children and the future generations of children our grandchildren's children. I have always been a strong advocate of telling our stories of what we suffered from sexual abuse to physical abuse to starvation, floggings, punishment that should never have happened to any of us in any children's home either run by the government or churches and charities. We were only children and never asked for these crimes to happen to us. It was those who were in power of us who used us as their play toy objects of which many still today have got away with the crimes we suffered. I thank the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse for listening to our real stories and of those who lost their lives in care and those whom have committed suicide and those who have attempted suicide, just like myself. I lost my children's mother on the 11th April 2015, she was only age 51. She was my soul mate for 27 years and knew everything about my life and only wish she were still here to see the end of the Royal Commission. Though my children are the ones holding me strong and my grandchildren and these are the future generations that need protecting from the crimes we suffered when we were only children. I can only hope my story I wrote here will go into the book for our future generations of children, know their grandparents and parents fought as hard as anything to get us justice for the crimes we suffered when we were only children and that they will be protected. Yours faithfully.

Yes I'm glad I told the Royal Commission. I feel much better in myself. I'm glad somebody believes me. The two people I told were supportive and understanding. Let's move on and hope this is still not going on in boys' homes, any homes. I believe something will be done. No more coverups in the system. Protect our children - please.

My abusers took away my innocence, my youth and my right to explore my sexuality on my terms. I will never forgive them for that. I think my hate for them and the institution that allowed it to happen has consumed me for 40 years. I've missed out on far too much. The Commission was a blessing, the process cathartic but rewarding. I'm glad I did and I thank the entire Commission and staff for making it as easy and as comfortable as it was. Thank you, I feel as if I can now move forward.

If the Royal Commission is truly the "listener" of the powerless, like myself once was, in state care, as a child, then one can truly hope, the Royal Commission's conviction, is one of rounding up your lions, to enter "the kingdom of childhood sexual abuse" where injustice, poverty, suffering, is well inflicted by the ghostly face of evil alive and well today, operating in the shadows of our system "only a lion has such a cunning strategy in its field of hunt, for there is much to hunt."

I never dreamed that I would one day put an end to a "problem that had no name" and that had undermined my relationships and enjoyment in life for more than 60 years. Although I may never forgive the teacher who harmed me when I was 7, I have finally found some peace. Sharing the story with people who understand and really care masked a new beginning. It's never too late to tell.

I blank went before a closed hearing for sexual, before Justice J. Coate for trauma against blank. I now want to go before an Commission.

I had two objectives in coming forward in a private session. First was to help bring to book a couple of institutions that have for so long condoned child sexual abuse. Second was to get a load of baggage off my chest. Thanks to the Commissioner and his wonderful colleagues, I reckon I've achieved both. I'm praying now that the powers that be take all that has been learned after the process is complete, follow through thoroughly and do what is right for generations of children.

Forgiveness for the trauma created cannot be contemplated nor vengeance, only justice for the multitude of ruined and damaged lives.

The Royal Commission gave me the opportunity to be listened to and be heard but most of all to be believed, to be able to tell my story of the sexual and physical abuses I suffered when I was a child. I hope my story will help the future generations of children that this will never ever happen again. I also hope there is a redress scheme put into place for us victims as most of our lives are not that good as adults. I felt a weight lift from my shoulders but I still need counselling and health care redress will not only give us victims some closure it will also give us a better quality of life. I huff and I puff through life just surviving everyday.

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believes in me, it is better for him that millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. Matthew 18.6

I am a broken child never to live the life I deserved, unlike other children who have been given the loving, safe, happy childhood, that every child born in this world and in Australia deserves. Instead our services that are put in place for the safety of our children now and kids from past have totally failed all of us and need to be made accountable for. I have lived most of my adult life in prison to feel just a little safe as have many of these women here. Given the chance I would have chosen death than what life I've had, every day the horror I endure and I would hate any child to have to feel this same way. No one should keep quiet about sexual abuse, especially when a child unknowingly presents signs of this shit. Adults whether the abuser or not that keep quiet instead of speaking our are as bad as one another. In this era, where it isn't taboo to talk about, why then are our children still suffering at the hands of adults we still let go basically unpunished. 3 months for child abuse, while I stole a car and evaded police and got 7 1/2 years. Where is the justice in a country where a child abuser is protected better than kids. Female prisons will always be open until the child abuse is stopped. Automatic life sentence for any sort of child crimes because it's an automatic life sentence for every child of abuse. Being a drug addict is an incurable disease, which is mostly the cause of a child abuser, which is also an incurable disease. Chemical castration only works on the penis, they will be satisfied with digital rape and all the other sick horrific acts they force upon the innocents. I never have really talked to anyone about my childhood but I decided it was time, given such an opportunity how could I not. I also have a responsibility to all children and though I didn't tell all my story just speaking out about this problem is better than keeping silent. Thank you for allowing me to speak and not feel undeserving of compassion and recognition that the system failed me seriously as a child and still into my adulthood!

Depression, negativity and low self-esteem have consumed me because no one listened no one cared. At 63 years old the Royal Commission listened to me and felt my pain. Please never let it happen again. Too many institutions and no love. Please I beg you care, love and protect our children from all harm.

I held the shame and guilt or what happened to me for 32 years and used drugs to forget it but when I heard about the Royal Commission I thought it is time to tell my story. It was hard to talk about at first but for me to begin the healing process I had to talk about it, the staff from the Commission was very supportive and I just hope others talk about so they can move on...Lets hope and pray something is done to help others in similar situations as my own so they don't go through and lose everything that I have by not telling anyone, don't punish yourself it wasn't our fault we was only kids...Thanks you.

Since coming forward to the Royal Commission and telling my story I feel lighter. When I got home that day I looked at all my containers and cleaned them out, now everything is marked. I have a routine now that I follow. It is like I am now out of the dark hole. I thank God he gave me music, that saved me. And I thank the Royal Commission.

I'm really glad I shared my story. I felt like I was trusted and believed, and hopefully it’s the next step to ensuring that Australia does better - for all kids - in the future.

It's all over. All my life I have lived with the guilt that I was heavily abused in state care. Thanks to the Royal Commission I was able to tell my story. They listened, they supported, I felt no more guilt. Telling my story tells the abusers (no more it's not acceptable). The Royal Commission gave me a voice, gave me my dignity back. Future children I feel will now have a voice. (No more).

Thank you for your time. I was treated with respect and dignity. I need to get this guilt and anger out of my system. Called into a church on my way home and said a prayer for survivors and victims. (First step).

Our children are given to us on sacred trust, the inheritance of our present day society. They are to be nurtured, protected, cared for and loved. Anyone who would harm these innocents, or anyone who would cover up such activities, is guilty of a crime against our collective society.

The first time in my life, the Royal Commission acknowledged me, heard my voice. I can finally move forward and safely deal with all the trauma. I now believe, I have faith that society will see a change in government departments. I am finally free of all the deadweight I've carried for so many years. Our children and grandchildren will be safer. We are not alone. Thank you to the Royal Commission.

Stop hurting children or little people. I would love everyone to be caring, and offer help to one another. Keep an eye on each other and an ear open, that I would like. Thank you all for listening to me. There's no need for the abuse. I've had enough. Take care all of you. Love you all.

Blank was first encounter 1966 of sexual offence by officer in charge, when charging of my ... Into boys' home ones. After escaping from blank I surrounded myself to blank, there was 3 boys who escaped one night, after bashing officer with bar. I did not go, but was blamed. I was whipped and stood until boys were caught. I was put on silent treatment, and stood looking at wall at night. Never seen 3 boys again. Broken arm in blank as doctors report. Daruk Boys' Home is where they sent me at blank. A boy told me look out for one officer out to get you for talking about things at blank. He got me when playing sports, two boys jumped on me, broken collar bone. Nurse on hand wouldn't let them put me back on field "Doctors report". Next morning woke by officer pushing me out of bed, told to make bed, could not, too sore. He wrapped his keys around his hand, hand punched me in the bad shoulder, fell to my feet. Old officer walked into room and stopped him. He take me to his office, said this would not happen again. It did not happen again. Thanks to old man help. Other boys seen all this happen. Nurse at home at this time would remember. 1966-67.

My life has been an enforced prison sentence that I never asked for or did anything to deserve this. My pleas for help fell on deaf ears and I'm made to suffer more abuse because I was brave enough to speak up. I want the state institutions, the Catholic priests and DOCS to be held accountable for my prison. There is no release date for me.

It is my hope that before I die, in the near future that every government department and its staff who allowed or were complacent in the abuses of us children end up in prison and lose their families, their lives just like we have. That all authorities, government people of Australia, will accept and agree that we are not animals, we deserve respect and a life. And compensation shouldn't have conditions that are written to prevent us from being compensated. We have no life...

Not one day goes by that I don't remember my childhood in a bad way because it was. I will not forget ever. Thank you to the Royal Commission for the respect I deserve.

I just wish I was brave enough to say something earlier to stop other kids being hurt, also I apologise to you. I thank the Commission it has helped ease a bit of the guilt and burden.

Hello world. I am starting to think there are persons out there that do care. I hurt every day sometimes more than others. Now I know what happened to me was not my fault. I hope one day to be whole again, the parts are slowly coming together. I hope to love and be loved again one day, sooner rather than later. Thank you.

The reasons why sexual abuse does not come out clearly and straightaway, are complex and varied. But we must begin to understand them, as a nation and as a human race, in order for healing to fully take place.

A heartfelt thank you to the 2014 Royal Commission for allowing me to lighten the load I've been carrying since my childhood. My faith in "God" has strengthened me so remember "with God all things are possible".

A trusted family member, friend or community member may not always earn the trust of your child. Please hear your child's unspoken message, danger may not always be at the hands of a stranger.

My name is... and I'm a former student of blank. I write this email to you as a lucky man. I have a wonderful wife and two children of whom I am immensely proud. I have friends, customers and colleagues who value and listen to my ideas and opinions and we try to conduct all our interactions with an air of mutual regard, care and respect. Two very important words; Care and Respect... two ideals that lay at the heart of civilized society; ideals that we try to instil in our children; a way we should treat others and a way in which we ourselves wish to be treated. Also apparently, a cornerstone of the teachings of the Catholic Church... Another very important word is Trust. Most often, when people are treated by others with Care and Respect, Trust between those people is the result. And Trust, so akin to Faith (another cornerstone of the church), is a feeling that gives us ease, it allows us to relax, to be ourselves, to feel safe and supported and validated and at peace. Betrayal is an ugly word. For an adult to take the Trust that has been placed in them, particularly by a child, and to abuse and denigrate and turn that Trust into something dark and afraid and twisted is surely one of the most heinous crimes known to man. Whilst despicable when this Betrayal is done by anyone, it is particularly abhorrent when enacted by a member of the clergy because it is a Betrayal of both Trust and Faith. None of us should be surprised that we are here today. It's no secret that many Catholic priests have systematically abused children entrusted to their care; this is not a new thing. It's been happening for centuries. And why? Unfortunately the Church sets itself up beautifully... The Catholic Church insists people who come to the priesthood must never marry or have sexual relations; they say this is so they remain chaste and clean in the service of the Lord. For some, their devotion and faith will make this frankly unnatural state just another sacrifice they make in their service. For others, maybe someone who is having urges towards paedophilia that is trying to resist them, this might appear as an answer; abstinence and devotion to a noble cause. Then the church puts them in charge of children in say, a choir, and puts all the boys and girls in dresses; does anyone else see something wrong with this picture? Of course, there is a third group, those that see the Catholic Church as a means to pursue their sordid fascination with children in a relatively safe, tailor made environment. No, it is not surprising that we are here. What is surprising though, is the apparent lengths that have been gone to by other members of the church to keep these atrocities a secret; to conceal the perpetrators from justice, and worse, to send them out into new parishes to do the same thing all over again. These people are surely just as guilty of the betrayal of the innocents in their care as those directly responsible. Care, Respect, Trust, Faith and Betrayal. I was betrayed by a Catholic Brother blank. As I say, I am a lucky man; lucky to have had the support of my family and friends, lucky that by nature I am stubborn and also lucky for the support of the professionals who have helped me through some periods of incredible darkness. Not everyone who has been through this ordeal has been lucky enough to survive to have their voice heard. I know at first hand of another student who was one year behind me who was not so lucky. He is no longer with us, and I always have a very deep guilt feeling for blank as I often heard people voice their opinion of him and his drug addiction and alcohol problems, shop stealing and other anti-social behaviour which landed him in court on many occasions. I knew one of his dark secrets and he knew mine. I think he died from an overdose. I am not sure as I was interstate when he died. He was always a very angry person and was not lucky enough to find a partner to steady the ship like I did. I have had help channelling my thoughts and feelings from one of my most close and valued colleagues Mr blank and my devoted and loyal wife blank in compiling this short but very important message to the Catholic Church. Can this sick, outdated organisation please have a big overhaul in this country and let us be the leaders in a revolution internationally against a male dominated organisation who only wishes to obtain huge amounts of wealth and property and power and attract paedophiles to their ranks to go on and molest generations of innocent children. I will always make myself available to speak without bias towards any religion as I am a non believer of all religious teachings and to do anything I can to help prevent this destruction of people's lives.

The kindness, consideration and sensitivity shown to me by the Royal Commission has been greatly appreciated. Speaking up after 55 years was a watershed moment for me.

Indeed, a weight has lifted and the Commission representatives that I spoke with made my mission so effortless and I felt only genuine respect. My dying wish (MND) is that the institution responsible in my and other's cases at least admit knowing that their representatives did what they did and take responsibility.

The 4 DDDD all about them: 1. Degrading 2. Dirty 3. Deceitful 4. Disgusting. I did not have my say years ago but now I happy to get it all out. If I can see you one day I would like to get it all out. Thank you all forgotten out after all this ups and downs for years. 12 May 2014. To Justice Peter McClellan AM. To our Royal Commissions. I am blank, now is blank. I was very happy the way I have to tell my (live ) story. I do thank you for getting me in before the kick the.... I am asked for a commissioner. I have just got two things I like to tell you all it bec a lot said for years it hard to come out about it all.

Being able to trust the people around you who care for your wellbeing is the most important thing. To take this trust away from a child by abuse because an adult thinks a child's wellbeing is not important is an evil mark on our society. All children have a right as a human being to feel safe and be able to trust the adults around them. Stop stuffing up Australia, protect our kids!

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.

I am glad I was able to speak about the sexual abuse I suffered while in care, in a private session. It's hard to talk openly about those things that were done. Nothing can change the past. Please don't let this opportunity to prevent future institutional abuse be lost.

The priest in question destroyed my life, my self-esteem and my self-respect/worth. It took over 29 years to rebuild it, through wrong paths I would never have taken had it not happened. Similar determinations should be made in sentencing these people in "trusted positions". If the penalty was 29 years they would think twice. "RIP" all sex abuse victims who didn't make it.

They shamed us into silence. Now we have spoken of the abuses done to us as children. Surely the church should be shamed enough to offer a substantial compensation package to help heal the years of suffering we all endured after being abused, or is there no real compassion in Christian organisations? What would Jesus have said if he witnessed the abuses that occurred to innocent children in orphanages? Would he have sanctified such activities? Or would he have looked favourably on a substantial compensation package to help alleviate the years of suffering that occurred after such abuses? Was locking up children in orphanages an example of Christian charity? Churches are now major financial organisations that have a pretence of providing charity! Hypocrites! Charlotans!!! Once the Royal Commission is over do we go back to being forgotten Australians who gained no compensation for the crimes committed to them as children? Abusing orphans is sanctified by the church. This is displayed by the lack of taking responsibility and compensating victims. Shame on them! Orphanages were closed down in Australia. Reason: the abuses that occurred in them was widely known. How long do we have to say that was already known? We entered orphanages as innocent children, we departed damaged physically, emotionally and spiritually. We were shamed into silence. Now we have spoken of the abuses. It is time for the Christian organisations to help alleviate our suffering by providing a substantial compensation package. Shame on them! The only way to atone for the sins committed to innocent children is for a substantial compensation package. This will help heal the years of suffering that followed from being institutionalised. To complain about being abused meant severe punishment, as you had broken the rule - "no dobbing". The gates were always wide open. We dared not leave as we saw the cruel beatings of those who had run away only be returned.

If it had not been for the Royal Commission I would have taken these terrible things which happened to me over 55 years ago to my grave. There was not a week that went by in my life that I did not think of these things. By going to the Royal Commission I have had a great weight lifted off my soul. So now I can try and rest in peace.

Listen to the children, make punishment more severe for offenders. They laugh at justice system which means they keep offending. Parents need to be more aware of uncles, grandfathers and good friends of family.

Have hatred and anger for what was allowed to happen to innocents. Appreciative of the Royal Commission commitment for allowing us to deliver evidence which enabled us to release the pain and ugliness of child abuse we suffered. These atrocities should never be repeated.

Hi, my name is Biff (not my real name) and this is 'My message to Australia'. During the early 1970s, I attended a regional catholic boys' college in Melbourne's inner north. A Christian Brother, "Brother blank" was my home-room teacher for my first year of secondary school (Year 7). During year 7 (Form 1), Brother blank would usher me to his desk, which was situated on a raised platform, facing the class. While he sat at his wooden desk, me alongside him, he then would shepherd me in closer and place his arm around my waist then have me sit on his lap. He then directed me to read and review my school work. As I read and discussed my work, his hand reached down between my legs. He then began touching and fondling my genitals. This made me feel sick, ashamed and extremely fearful. Afterwards, in front of the class he often strapped me on both hands with vigorous force for producing poor quality work and not concentrating. This happened on several occasions. I was told; I was dumb and would not amount to anything in life. After school, walking home along Dawson Street, I often had tears in my eyes and feeling vulnerable and powerless, fearful and scared of what the future might hold. As a 12 year old boy, it was a nightmare. I regularly saw Brother blank, doing the same to other boys. I was extremely scared and subsequently hated school. I often wagged school, hiding on our family's garage roof for hours on end. After months of poor attendance, my father came home from work early one day to get me down from the roof and confront me with the attendance issue. I was then in an extremely difficult and tense situation. As I fervently believed, that if I told dad what was happening at school, I would get into serious trouble and told to, "get back to school, try harder and wake-up to yourself". I am so grateful, my parents believed me. They immediately removed me from that school. I recall feeling so relieved, but also sad for the other boys still there. Many years later, I finally got the opportunity to tell my story to the Victorian Police and the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Subsequently, legal procedures followed and Brother blank was convicted, sentenced and served time. This is my story and thank you for the opportunity to share it.

Without the Royal Commission, I doubt I would ever have come forward, so Ms Gillard - I thank you and I thank the Commission (everyone) for their assistance, compassion and understanding. The process of healing has begun - but this is only the start and the great work that has been done must be followed through. Only then will future generations be safer.

Thank you Royal Commission, all my life I've suffered and tormented myself of the bad memories of abuse I endured in the homes. I may have been set free but not free from the memories I suffered in silence. For the children of today don't suffer in silence like I did (be heard).

Let the healing begin - Thanks to the professionalism of everyone part of this Royal Commission. This is the first time my story has been told and believed. To share that shame and burden is a phenomenal relief. I am thankful and proud that I went through the individual meeting. Hardest thing I have ever done - but the relief is worth it. Thanks.

After all the abuse I suffered in blank for 8 years and then in blank for 1 1/2 years, the compensation I received was inadequate compared to what most people are receiving today. If a National Redress Scheme is an outcome of this Royal Commission, it should address the damage that was done including the impact it has had on people's whole life. For me I had no education and I have had to see a psychiatrist and doctor because of what happened to me in those two homes.

Witnessed - open. Held - hold. Silence - broken. Truth - told.

I was born an emotionally free and happy child until I was abused. Since I have been locked away with guilt and shame. Even though there is no closure to the anxiety and strain, the private session with the Royal Commission has eased my pain.

Finally a voice for my late mother and a voice for myself both abused, suffering at the hands of controlling, arrogant, powerful persons of the great institutions. Thank you for allowing me to speak the truth, be believed even if it was awkward and sounded absurd. Justice for all victims so we are not voiceless outsiders, not belonging and no longer afflicted.

To keep our children safe from anything that will hurt them. As a parent I know that the life of a child is so precious, that is why I went to tell the Commission. Listen to a song sung by Tom T Hall "Old dogs, children and watermelon win" it helps. Blank Thanks for the sad ware.

I am in debt to the Commission for the manner in which the interview was conducted. I feel completely satisfied for their understanding and empathy.

From 14 years of age, my potential as a human being and constructive member of society was seriously damaged - not destroyed - by sexual abuse. I have grown up a stunted individual who has only partially flourished. Only through accountability and apology can this be changed for future generations.

After a Brother of the Church sexually assaulted me at 15, I spent a lifetime being scared and with anxiety around males. Now at 68 years I thank dear God, that the Royal Commission opened their hearts and doors and fearfully I told my story, giving up my pain to them, so at last I'm safe. Keep our little ones safe. Thank you dearly.

When children experience mental and sexual abuse, unfortunately it creates a domino effect on their children. My one huge regret is because, my children, have had to endure, the many problems, this abuse created in me. And that is something I can never forgive these people for. Hopefully the Royal Commission will end this thing from happening ever again. Thank you.

At long last the truth is out and my life recorded. For 51 years I hid the sexual abuse and much more. I told my story to people I could trust, before my passing. I lived with suicide on my mind for 31 years - medication. I lost my whole life in the 50s, still looking for overseas family. Thank you Royal Commission, wonderful staff. Wanted a little more time.

The pain I suffered at the hands of a rapist has never left me. I was six years old, my body felt torn and broken, night after night my cries never heard, this beast was raping again and again. If there is a hell that burns, I hope he is there. Thank you Royal Commission for hearing my voice.

I can say thank you to the awareness for past abuse, mental illness and other conditions which never got attended to. We will be gone and still no help or awareness made of how it affected us. Help the families left behind with how they lived with the past.

Thank you for your assistance in my problem in my lifetime, with the help of the Commissioner for their help. I would like Australia to know that what I went through as a child was upsetting for me. With all their help I would like the people of Australia to know what people say is true, not false because I know from blank.

When someone speaks out, listen please, because it is important and means a lot. Thanks.

The Royal Commission is a good place to start some healing 'abuse is abuse' and no child should be subjected to it, any time, anywhere. As children we didn't have a voice, as adults we do, and hopefully more damaged ones will come forward.

The abuse caused my life terror, with many others terrorised as victims for 30+ years. No amount of counselling softened that. Financial compensation helped me seek family in the UK; where I was born. All the sorrys in the world couldn't erase the pain. The Royal Commission and the great people assisting helped heaps, but governments need to demand that blank pay further compensation; other than what they decided was their limit. Who else, who are found guilty, can decide their own penalty?

I would like to give my most sincere thanks to all and every staff member of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. You have all been friendly, understanding, straightforward and helpful in assisting me in compiling my story. The subject matter, the inner core, is inhuman and horrendous and I can only pray that there is, or will be in the future, some solution to this pandemic. People have to change, respect other's rights and learn to walk in other's shoes who have or may be sexually abused. No more, no more, everyone must be less greedy and selfish towards the less strong, less knowledgeable, the weak and innocent, the cost of the alternative is too great and degrading.

Thank you Royal Commission for what you did for me. A new start for a new life. After this is all finished I hope there is never a need for Royal Commission again. Again, thank you and your staff.

I thank you for all who made this day, the staff, so that I could come forward and share my story. I thank the people that came with me. After I had shared I felt a big black cloud lift off me. I pray that many will be helped and set free. Thank you for letting me share.

Denial - Silenced: 'Father' pays so much attention to the child, mum and dad are in denial. 'Father' pays so much attention to the children, the parishioners are in denial. The child grows through adolescence, he is in denial. Adolescent abuses himself to block out pain. Denial is rampant. 'Father' is challenged by a fellow priest, who is in a relationship with a woman, 'Father' says to him, "Go to hell, I know what you and her do!" The not so celibate is silenced. 'Father' is challenged by a gay priest, 'Father' tells him, "Go to hell, I know what you are!" The gay is silenced. 'Father' is challenged by a decent priest, 'Father' tells him his confession. Therefore the decent is silenced. After forty years the network is in denial and paralysed by 'Father'. Some leave, some burn out and some heavily laden with the grisly prisoners of the past in their hands, climb the clerical corporate ladder into the hierarchy world. The pain and self abuse overflows. The child now a man tells the man in blue. The judge gives 'Father' time in a blue stone presbytery, for him to pay for the moral sin and crime. The hierarchy denied any responsibility of what it spied, and what 'Father' did. Victims observe the corporate money being spent in the courts to deny any civil redress for all the empty years of blood and tears. They say we must not be foolish with our assets, therefore you may have our offer of a non legal apology, with a legal 'ex-gratia' payment. Oh, you do speak with fork tongue!! What right do they have? They cannot look after the greatest assets of all, 'The Children Of Yesterday'. Why was Rome not ordained with the wisdom to see the catastrophe that they have sown? The judge has wisdom and knowledge of the child's pain. He travels free, without prisoners of the past. Let his recompense be the last!! The child is not in fear. He will not be crushed by dysfunctional men in black who sneer. Remember 'Father' the greatest sin of all , 'the denial of sin'.

The world has now awoken and the eyes now see, that as a little bird and child my wings were ripped from me. I carried so much pain as a bird that could not fly, but then the Royal Commission came and my wings began to grow. I learn to fly again, as a bird in the wind. Blank. Commissioner Robert Atkinson told me to send this in for the memorial book. Sincerely.

It's taken seventy years to break my silence (because of family). I felt confident of reporting my story of abuse to the Royal Commission staff who listened to me. Please record my sincere thanks for their understanding, sympathy and support.

40 years finally I have been heard. It was so hard to tell my story but I did it and it felt so good. I feel like a new person. Thank you, no more nightmares.

For 45 years I have lived the guilt and shame of both mine and my brother's abuse. I feel now the world will know what happened to so many innocent lives and this gives me great heart, to know now that the abuse is validated will help me to move on in my life.