Royal Commission into Child Sex Abuse Holding Sessions in Canberra

ABC News
August 13, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-13/child-abuse-royal-commission-in-canberra/4882638?section=act

The Federal Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is holding private sessions in Canberra this week.

The commission is holding private sessions around Australia with people who experienced child sexual abuse while in institutional care.

Commission chief executive officer Janette Dines says the private sessions are conducted informally in the presence of one or two commissioners.

"People who have come to a private session tell us that it was a positive and worthwhile experience," she said.

"We understand how difficult it can be for people to come forward and talk about what happened to them. There are trained counsellors available to provide immediate support to anyone in distress.

"We also encourage people to bring a support person with them such as a friend or family member."

Ms Dines says many people are telling their story for the first time.

"Many people have said that after years of keeping silent, they feel safe to speak out," she said.

"People have different reasons for coming forward. Some people want the Royal Commission to know what happened to them as a child and the impact it has had on their lives.

"Many people are telling us that they want to help make institutions safer for children in the future."

She says it will not be the only opportunity for people in the ACT to tell their story.

"We will be holding private sessions in Canberra this week and will hold sessions as many times as it takes to hear peoples' stories," Ms Dines said.