Christians' core beliefs are mostly lies especially the "immaculate conception of Mary" was most likely a child raped by Roman soldier(s), centuries later it is turned into a miracle, one of many fake events caused by God; other fake events are world flood as are, parting of the red sea, to resurrection!!

Don't be afraid to tell your story. The world needs to know what happened to us survivors. You can do it.

Thank you Australia from my heart and soul for giving me the opportunity to mend my spirit and tell my story and give me faith in the system of government. At 36 from here on I want to grow to be a valuable member of society. May the atrocities of the past never influence a young child's future again. God bless Australia...

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"

This journey of sharing my story to the Royal Commission was not easy, but something needed to be done and my story needed to be heard, so I encourage people to come forward and share their story.

Even though I related only part of the abuse I and many others suffered in that institution - as I am of an age where I have forgotten and don't wish to remember some things that happened - I benefitted from the meeting with the Royal Commission. I believe that every person that can come forth and tell their story of abuse will help in the long run and will hopefully help someone else.

My trust in mankind lost, stolen in my innocence. My spirit raved so much pain, many years running hiding my tears in the rain. A leap of faith so I may stand with you tall, thank you for my hope is restored.

The folk at the Royal Commission were the nicest I have ever "met", but after 57 years it was a bit much to realise what I had missed out on in my life, because of the events in my youth. I thought I had it buried, but I didn't.

By handing the burden of past events to the Commission and community, we have been given the opportunity to live the rest of this life with a lighter load. Thank you.

If this process helps even a few children, or adults to overcome the burden that being a survivor of sexual abuse holds, then this is a worthwhile process. For myself, I am glad to have contributed in this small way, my personal burden has lessened a little. Let's hope that no more children have to suffer because of appropriate measures not being in place to protect them from predators.

Words cannot express my suffering for sixty eight years. It prevented me from completing my law degree at blank. I always struggled to become successful. Apart from the sexual abuse, there was also physical abuse, verbal abuse and mind control. I was a trapped victim, no relatives, no friends I could turn to. It also affected my marriage and relationship with my children very badly.

By speaking out at the Royal Commission, I was able to tell my journey over the last 47 years and be heard for the future of generations moving forward.

To the children of the future please know that there are people who care and love. If you are a victim of abuse do not be afraid to speak and trust in someone. Actually you are not a victim you are strong. The so called monster hurting you is weak. They are scared of us strong people telling our mum, grandma, teacher, a friend's mum, a doctor, police etc... There are so many who will stand strong with you. Be loud and speak up. I have. Love to the brave and strong.

I didn't expect this message to be published because this government hides the truth. Every government agency that ignored me 40 years ago is still ignoring me today. Not even acknowledging receipt of letters of enquiry. The Australian government allowed me to be raped and tortured 40 years ago. And still hides the truth today.

We are not shaped or a product of our past. Even the darkest hours have light, always step forward and remember I was a little person, I didn't deserve it. I deserve a good life now. Thank you.

I survived years of brutal child abuse and torture, fighting for justice broke me through the years, finally I had my chance before the Royal Commission, this was my chance for people to hear me and for me to recommend changes in current systems to prevent child abuse. During my session before the Commissioner I had a feeling of complete respect and understanding, something I have never felt before.

It takes a lot of courage to come forward and disclose sexual abuse, but it is worth it. Your courage and your story could save a life. Be brave, for yourself and for our future. Thank you.

The Royal Commission is asking important questions of institutions such as the church, the police and care agencies, and rightly so! But what next? Society must think carefully before pulling any triggers. Institutions are more than 'systems and CEOs'. They are full of good men and women who also weep for our children. I know, I am a former police officer. I am a Christian. I too am a survivor of child sexual abuse. Australia, let's get this right. Thank you Commissioners.

I feel like a big weight has been lifted since I told my story to the Royal Commission. Now I have a new life but we must look after all our children that need our care. Now I can have a good night's sleep. Thank you.

While I was living under blank during 1963 till 1968, on weekends when I was at my mother's place, there were lots of men in the house and I was raped every weekend. I was never asked how I was and I think blank were not doing their jobs. This could have been stopped or at least to see how I was - I blocked it all off - tried to anyway.

This is my time to be heard and I will forever speak and bring awareness to the future generation. Finally something has been done to bring the light to the darkness. Be strong!!!

Was hard but the truth is the truth. Felt a release holding and protecting abusers after all these years. Thank you for listening to our truths.

My courage to continue counted and I did matter. I wasn't a nobody!

RIP - dedicated to my brother. No matter how many times I tell my story it still stay's with me and I do feel my trigger's often. It was lovely to be around compassionate, caring people though at the R. Commission. Thank you for listening and giving me a voice no-one really paid much attention to.

To be perfectly honest, I never thought anyone would listen to and believe my story, as that has been my experience in the past. But the Royal Commission has been different and I finally feel some sort of relief. I have not been okay for a very long time, and I feel as though maybe now I may finally have the opportunity to be free. I hope Australia can work towards making change happen...

Thank you Andrew Murray and staff for all your valuable support in telling my story. I look forward now to changes in laws and child support services and legislation put into place in the near future.

The ultimate taboo in our society is a female paedophile. In blank, aged 14 and a boarder at blank school 100klms blank, I was groomed and raped in a horrific manner by a female religious, a nun. In blank, using "Towards Healing", I confronted the Order. The nun admitted her actions. After a 2-year investigation, the Order paid a financial settlement on condition of my silence and without acknowledging responsibility. On the paperwork, the reason for payment was "mental illness" instead of "sexual abuse". The perpetrator, whose actions affected me deeply and lead to a diagnosis of PTSD, continued to teach children and be cared for by the Order. We must break the silence to keep our children safe. The female Orders in the Catholic Church must be forced to act justly for all concerned including the perpetrator and not hide behind legal arguments to avoid accountability.

People say how wonderful Australia is, but they have no idea what really goes on in these institutions that are run by these Wonderful Aussie People. And when people come out and tell their story only to see these animals get a slap on the wrist because the Aussie judicial motto is, "You can molest my kids, just don't steal our money". How about zero tolerance to sex offenders!!!

I was admitted to the blank children's unit aged 7 to be treated for anxiety. I had committed no crime. I was discharged aged 9 traumatised, broken and still anxious. Parents don't put your trust in so called experts. Love and protect your children.

I was told I could trust them: clergy, teachers, the 'pious' and brutal police, religious, coaches and politicians. I was lied to. As a whistle-blower and victim, I was pressured, threatened and beaten into silence. The guilty were lauded and protected. Their acts concealed with well-honed experience. The truth is out now! Child abuse was and is rampant! This truth sadly came too late for too many. Matthew 18:1-8.

Thank you for listening and believing me.

My message is so the system be fixed to the point of other minors who are about to go into care of the government that sexual assault doesn't happen to them. My story is one of many to be heard and listened to.

I didn't report the sexual abuse for 24 years. No longer a frightened child I could speak to Commissioners and police as an adult. I was believed. I felt safe and supported. I was encouraged to learn that the Commission has helped change many laws. Speaking up has brought real change and will help prevent my story becoming another child's story or my own children's story.

I didn't tell anyone about my abuse for 20 years. The day my 1st child was born my wife heard me say to her, "I will never let what happened to me happen to you". My wife overheard and I told her what had happened. After going to the Royal Commission I now feel that the promise I made 19 years ago will be said to every child that's born. Thank you.

My heartfelt thanks to Julia Gillard for the Royal Commission. My heartfelt thank to Commissioner Atkinson for the compassionate and sensitive way he conducted himself at the private session.

Going to the Royal Commission was enlightening, as it showed me the lasting effects of sexual abuse, including consequences to health, interaction with family and friends and success or failure throughout my life. It's never going away, but now I am at peace with myself.

One monster can be responsible for scores of victims. Some will become alcoholics, drug addicts, suicide attempts, actual suicides, being chased by the black dog or become a monster. Every school should be given a copy of the RC report and classroom lesson given to every child. Thank you.

I cannot change the past but by opening up and telling my story, hopefully I can change the life/lives of other children that were in the same situation I was, by making the government understand children should be seen, heard and protected and have a voice.

Life itself has brought us to this point. Here and now is what matters most. I am free to venture into the future with only good intent. By being heard, my past is now where it belongs - Behind -

Show me fear, till I no longer speak. Blind me with light, till I no longer see. Speak foreign claptrap, till I no longer listen. I was a child, who has long since stopped living.

After all these years of keeping it to myself, finally I have shared my story and felt believed in, through the comfort and support within the Royal Commission. It's my time to move on.

There comes a time in life, when there is nothing else to do but to go your own way, a time to follow your dreams, a time to raise the sail of your own beliefs.

This land adopted me from a far off place 60 years ago. I could not tell my story of abuse, no-one believed kids were beaten with impunity. Intolerance was the way of things. 30 years ago I left the service (arms) to my nation, a better place, intolerance on the EBB! 30 years on, 2017, today I was able to tell my story to the Commission and was believed! A weight has been lifted from my aging soul! Australians that follow me, must continue to grow, trust and understand. It is their duty and in their hands to keep up the fight and rid our land of intolerance! For all to live in harmony! God bless our island continent Australia.

I was extremely nervous the day before my private session and on the day I was due to appear. I could hardly concentrate. I was surprised to see how informal the process was. The Commissioner and his team put me at ease. It was so freeing to tell my story and to be believed not judged. It's one more step on the road to wholeness and healing. Thank you.

Going to the Royal Commission was a bit scary, but when I got there it was very helpful to get the past out in the open. A big weight on my chest was lifted and I felt at ease at long last. I wish nothing happens like it did to me, to any child ever.

Attending the Royal Commission and telling my story gave me back some self esteem by being heard. The Catholic hierarchy should be ashamed at their coverups and defence of the indefensible!

Abuse to a child by someone in a position of trust and authority is not something that is in the past, it impacts the while person and that person's life story and all in it. It is embedded in all relationships across that persons life and then for those who have children it becomes part of an intergenerational impact. It is important to understand this, it permeates the future.

Please don't ignore us Australia! I know it's an unpleasant topic and it's much more comfortable to look away, pretend it's not happening, and forget the whole issue of child sexual abuse exists... But that just allows it to thrive and ruin lives of countless young Australians - the decent folks must all work to root out this hidden menace and make it safer for all our children, today.

Bloody joke. It's a farce. They will never admit they are wrong. How come some get paid more than others, rape is rape. Bring blank to face charges. The church don't pay taxes, ever.

After my telephone conversation with the Commissioner I felt as if a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. I lived with the pain for 43 years... I feel as if I'm free again... The guilt and shame was lifted...

Just want to say that I am grateful to Julia Gillard to finally seek justice and closure. My meeting with Jennifer Coate was sensational. I hope in some small way, I make kids of the future safer.

Thanks for the opportunity to finally get some closure on the darkest times of my life. I'm happy to move on with my life knowing that these horrific sexual abuse crimes will be no longer overlooked by anybody and that children of our future will be better protected and those that have suffered, I will pray for every day!!! Thank you for listening...

My name is blank. I am now 40 years old. I was beaten and raped for years by a senior officer from a juvenile detention centre. I was 9 years old and committed no crimes. I've hated authority my whole life and I'm a prisoner in the maximum security unit. By this inquiry, the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse in Government institutions couldn't of come quicker. I've now spent my whole life in prison and hated those in charge of me, the police and the system. This has now given me closure.

Thank you to the beautiful Commissioner Helen Milroy and her wonderful team in giving me the courage to finally come forward to release some of these demons. Please do something to prevent these horrendous crimes that have affected me from ever happening to anyone else ever again. So many young innocent children have had to carry this 'secret' all their lives and the pain from this is unbearable.

Please don't let this happen anymore. It is too dark of a place to be in once the lights turn out, turn your lights on and dismiss this pain, heartache, and sorrow from our children's lives. It hurts too much, I know, I've been there. Please help us.

Keeping things a secret and hidden does you no favours for the future. My fears with authority has led me down a path of jail. And this is no life. This jail life is a dead end. Turn around while you can!

Blue skies of childhood, sun filled days, innocent ways, then years in a maze, bring back warm rays.

When you share your story it allows you to free yourself, allowing others to acknowledge theirs. Your story will heal you and your story will help to heal others. Thank you all that are connected and committed to finding the truth.

Having been able to share my story has sort of set me free. I no longer feel obliged and chained by the institution.

They may have beaten my body, shattered my spirit, infected my soul, those hierarchy, who got away with the crimes, I'm still doing your time!

I was relieved to have the opportunity to tell the Commissioner my story from 48 years ago. It made me depressed speaking of my experience, however, in doing so, I hope having this courage will help protect our children and future children from any harm.

Years of sexual abuse by a priest took my childhood and interfered with who I became. Disclosing was a first step in my journey to selfhood. The good men of the Royal Commission will make a difference; children will be safer because of it.

I feel a lot better talking to the Royal Commission. I could tell they were interested in my pathetic life. It brought back a lot of hurt, but I felt the hurt was lifting off me as I was telling the story. Next day I felt sick, but I will overcome from the love of my brother.

Thank you for acknowledging all that I endured as a child and for empowering me.

I just hope the Royal Commission makes the difference that all of us couldn't and protects children into the future.

To my fellow Australians - be proud of who you are. Don't let anyone tell you different. Be strong, tell your story and know you are believed. Trust the Royal Commission they are here to help all of us. Don't be ashamed, tell your story so we all can help future children not suffer like we have. All of our experiences will help stop this awful mess. Side by side we can make a change. Hold your head up high. Thanks all involved in the Commission.

After so many years of private anguish, sharing with such caring folk was a relief. Thanks! I am writing to speak to others involved with the Commission with ideas to prevent this awful experience. Thank you to Jennifer and the team, you were comforting and comfortable to be with. Sincerely blank.

People have said I'm brave, but I don't think I am. I think it is necessary to ensure that children in care are protected from this evil. That isn't bravery, that is compassion.

Having suffered now for over fifty years, because no one believed the atrocities I'd suffered throughout my childhood, I felt it a big relief to be able to go before the Royal Commission and get my story told to people who would listen and understand our pain.

From the age of 9 years, I have managed to close the doors on the cruelty, bullying, loneliness and sexual abuse sustained a the hands of non-caring employees of the religious institution. Now at age 69 I have had to relive these experiences in the hope that other children will be spared. I feel no closure. I feel I am to blame. I feel that I, by telling my story, I have opened a "Pandora's Box". Others now know my story, now after 60 years, what about me. Now, I cry for this child within! I have to heal all over again.

I wish to thank the Royal Commission for allowing me to tell my tale. It did hurt but it was also uplifting as the Commissioner was very professional and empathetic. The debriefing after the interview. It's not the end but it is a positive start for my wife and me.

God guides me. I seek his counsel through prayer and the Bible. Sharing my story rocks me every time. I'm a mess for days after. This time it wasn't just simple disclosure for some report that goes nowhere. It's ultimately going towards saving kids from these monsters. My intuition and spirit-led submission is that the Commission will strike me back!! The objective must be to implement cameras for 24hr surveillance. Also a better, more thorough employment assessment blank!! Children - both 12 years (and under) and teens are the future custodians of society's destiny. Treat them well. No one should be sexually abused!

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" - John 8:32

After sixty years I have finally told my story to the Royal Commission whom I know will help other children, not like myself who cried out for help over many years. This Royal Commission makes me feel a different person. I thank you.

I was abused at 13 years of age. When I told my Grandmother in the day all I got was a belting and called a liar. I have kept my secret for 45 years and I am a very angry man. Since I have told my story to the Royal Commission I feel some relief. I only hope that nothing like the abuse I endured will happened to any other kids again!!

As I flew down to see the Royal Commission I was a little nervous but also a feeling of anticipation as I was finally getting to tell of the terrible abuse I had suffered whilst a state ward in numerous institutions. I felt a huge release and relief as I told them my story. They were very nice and caring the whole time.

For the first time in our lives, my wife and I, felt listened to by people in a position of authority and that we were understood as to what really happened to us in the foster homes with the traumatic abuse that took place. We would like to thank the Royal Commission for listening to us, supporting us and encouraging us to speak out against those in government positions who are still not listening. This curse on our nation of Australia must be fully exposed.

From 8 years old I was subjected to physical and mental abuse, with lewd acts of a sexual nature in the area I resided, later leading to sexual abuse, which were common. Thanking the Commission and staff for the opportunity to speak out, as no-one would have believed a child back them. (Speak when spoken to)

I am glad I spoke to the Royal Commission because I was finally listened to and heard. It validated my feelings. I hope by coming forward we learn from the past and protect our children in the future. Also to impose harsher penalties to offenders.

All I wanted was an apology. The crime is with me today. The courts tried. I am still here. My family are great. Justice will occur. An apology will come.

Hurting alone is no way to live. Telling what happened helps. It has helped me to move forward and take action when before we were fooled. Now we are wiser and Australia needs to set behind us so that justice can be done.

My private session was the best outcome I could have expected from a Royal Commission. It was not a hard, adversarial, blaming process as I imagined a court would be. I was allowed to speak my truth and have it recorded. I am very grateful for the opportunity to shed light on a problem that plagues us still, but hopefully as a society we can be forearmed and forewarned and act against the evil of paedophilia.

I felt accepted as a peer, listened to, believed, not judged. I felt respected and my input valued from the moment I stepped into the foyer, to the after-interview counselling and follow-up. I'll be praying that the Commissioners and support staff are okay too and that the findings bring real change.

Our abusers enemy in our voice. Our enemy is our silence.

An exercise that I wish I never had to endure. Yet, conducted with care, respect, concern, recognition and transparency. Thank you so very much to those involved and special thanks to our first female PM for making this available.

The Commissioner and her very kind staff who listened to my story concerning the disabled young girls who were sexually and physically abused over a number of years whilst attending a state school for (severe and disabled) children. Thank you.

It was really hard to speak about what happened many years ago, but I was treated with respect and most of all listened to and believed. Let us all hope that coming forward, some good will come from the Royal Commission.

The Royal Commission team were both professional and friendly. I had minimised the sexual abuse by our local priest, and deciding to contact the Commission and telling my experience, has allowed me to accept, acknowledge and speak how this sexual abuse has impacted me in my life. I am grateful.

To be able to talk to someone finally after 50 years took a big weight off my shoulders. I wish someone would have asked me how I was in 1964.

Upon being committed to an institution, the person committed should be introduced to a social worker straightaway; and told what could happen in these institutions; warning of sexual abuse, physical abuse and mental abuse and not be frightened to talk about it or report it. The position should be permanent at all institutions. Persons who are chosen for the position, should show compassion, love and trust. Better still if a classroom session could be set up in all institutions, warning of the dangers of all abuses that could occur, not only by officers but other inmates, and be constantly told "don't be afraid to report these incidents to the social worker or person they can trust", even if they see these abuses happening to other inmates they shouldn't be afraid to tell someone they trust and will do something about it and should be acted upon immediately. Love, compassion, trust should be given at all times, so the inmate could be prepared upon release back into society and should be followed up after release. P.S. There should also be an Aboriginal liaison position.

To all men, women and children of Australia, any form of abuse is not acceptable and if you have been abused remember there are many other in the same boat, there are people that care. Now reach out and ask for help don't wait like I did after 35 years, your survival and life starts now. Be strong Australia and make a stand against sexual, physical and mental abuse.

I am deeply thankful for this Royal Commission. This process has been caring, compassionate and affirming. My hope for our nation is that we never again allow systems of abuse to exist remembering that, by ensuring this, we pay tribute to all those voices that were never heard.

The Royal Commission gave me the opportunity to tell my story. I was 12 when it happened. It was upsetting to tell the Commissioner. It was the first time I was able to say what happened and I believe I was listened to by someone of influence as I had kept this to myself for a long time.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to tell my story. I was extremely apprehensive at first. I know now it was the right thing to do and my mind is at rest. This is the beginning of a new journey and I am sure many things will change as a result of this Royal Commission. All for better! Thank you.

Being a young Aboriginal man [I] would like to see more Aboriginal youth workers in detention centres as it makes it easier for young Aboriginal kids to speak freely about issues in life. Thank you.

We were children. They were Catholic Brothers in harm. Thankyou Royal Commission, I’m better now!

My experiences of the Benedictine Monks taught me religion is of no use to our planet now or into the future. There is no god. It will be entirely up to our beautiful planet earth’s people to care for its children – those entrapped by war and starvation. The Church can join us if it chooses.

I have kept the abuse suffered while in care to myself for nearly forty years, I felt ashamed and like I was at fault but the Royal Commission has given me my self-respect back and I realise now that I didn’t ask to be abused – thankyou.

The deep sadness and betrayal of my childhood will haunt me for the rest of my days – to move forward I will need to learn forgiveness, so that I can find happiness in my life. The future of our children’s care will be judged by the presentation of those responsible for ensuring that the past abuse of children never happens again. The good will need to stand up, it’s past time you acted. blank

I laid down my burden, carried for decades. The day of my session with the Commissioner – I felt acknowledged. I hope the government of the day, the Victoria Police, the media, will continue to shine the light, be the voice for all child abuse victims/survivors, so that justice will prevail. This chapter in Australia’s history must never be repeated.

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

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