From today, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will hold 7 days of private sessions in Brisbane over the next two weeks.

Royal Commission CEO Janette Dines said private sessions are an important way for Commissioners to hear first-hand about the impact of child sexual abuse and to better understand how it might be prevented in the future.

“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 with a Commissioner.

“The information provided in private sessions will help the Royal Commission better understand how child sexual abuse in institutions can be prevented,” she said.

Ms Dines said the Royal Commission has made regular visits to Queensland to hold private sessions, meet with service providers and host information forums. The Royal Commission also held a public hearing in Brisbane in February this year.

“So far, the Royal Commission has received just over 2,000 phone calls from people all over Queensland and around 60 people are scheduled to share their story with the Royal Commission in Brisbane over the next two weeks.

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

More than 1,500 private sessions have been held across Australia to date, including 295 in Queensland. 

To protect the privacy of those involved, the location of private sessions is confidential.

If you were abused sexually 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