The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will be holding private sessions in Ballarat from 9 - 11 September 2014.

Royal Commission CEO Philip Reed said all people affected by child sexual abuse while in the care of an Australian institution have the opportunity to tell the Royal Commission of their experiences in a private session.

“Over the course of this week, 21 survivors of child sexual abuse in Ballarat will have the opportunity to tell the Royal Commission of their experiences, in a private session with a Commissioner.

“While these private sessions have already been allocated, anyone who would like to have a private session can still register their interest by phoning 1800 099 340,” he said.

“The Royal Commission has already held more than 2,200 private sessions in cities and towns across Australia.

“Justice McClellan, Chair of the Royal Commission will also meet with the Ballarat Survivors Group. Facilitated by the Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA), the groups aim is to create a support network for survivors of child sexual abuse in the area.

To protect the privacy of those involved, the location of private sessions and Ballarat Survivors Group meeting is confidential and closed to media.

For information about the Ballarat Survivors Group, please contact Ballarat CASA on (03) 5320 3933.

If you were sexually abused as a child while in the care of an Australian institution, you can share your story with the Royal Commission by phoning 1800 099 340 or emailing contact@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au