The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is back in Queensland for private sessions the week beginning 9 September.
Private sessions offer people who have experienced childhood sexual abuse in an institution the chance to tell a Royal Commissioner what happened to them.
Royal Commission CEO Janette Dines said there has been a strong response from people in Queensland wanting to tell their story in a private session.
“More than 326 people have already told their story in private sessions across the country, including in Brisbane in June, and we expect to speak to at least 850 more people before the end of the year,” said Ms Dines.
“The private sessions are contributing significantly to the Commissioners’ understanding of the nature and extent of the sexual abuse of children within institutions in Australia.”
“Many of the personal stories heard by the Commissioners or received in writing report a level of abuse and mistreatment of children which will shock many people.”
Ms Dines acknowledged it was difficult for people to talk about what happened to them. “The Royal Commission provides counsellors to offer immediate support. As well, we encourage people to bring along a friend or family member for additional support.”
Private sessions have been held so far in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne and sessions are currently scheduled in Darwin and Tasmania.
