The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is investigating how institutions like schools, churches, sports clubs and government organisations have responded to allegations and instances of child sexual abuse.

In its first 16 months of operation, the Royal Commission has travelled to every state and territory of Australia including many regional areas, to hear from more than 1,500 people in private sessions. The Royal Commission’s call centre has received over 11,000 phone calls from the public and held 11 public hearings.  

Historical data suggests that males were more likely to be sexually abused in institutions than females, and males were also likely to take more than five years longer to report that abuse. 

If you were sexually abused as a child while in the care of an institution in Australia you can share your story with the Royal Commission. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, or how long ago the abuse occurred, every person’s story is important.

The first step is to let the Royal Commission know that you are interested in sharing your story.

Call: 1800 099 340 between the hours of 8am and 8pm from Monday to Friday

Email: Send an email to contact@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au

Write: GPO Box 5283, Sydney, NSW 2001.

Discussing child sexual abuse can be difficult. The Royal Commission can refer survivors of child sexual abuse to counsellors or special support groups. 

For more information about the work of the Royal Commission and support services available visit www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au or call 1800 099 340.

Source: Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au)