Thousands of letters from victims of sexual abuse released

Survivors of sexual abuse have given chilling personal insights into their suffering in handwritten notes to the royal commission investigating widespread mistreatment.

More than 1,000 letters from survivors to the royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse have been handed to the National Library of Australia, as the five-year, $500 million inquiry wraps up.

The commemorative book, ‘Messages to Australia’, tells a story of stolen childhoods, painful confrontations and inspiring resilience by its anonymous contributors.

Survivors of institutional child abuse say they’ve shed tears, demons and much shame during a long-running royal commission

‘I’ve lost 40 years to the demon that no longer has power over me,’ one person wrote.

‘I came to share my story, not only for me, but for the ones that didn’t make it, for all the stories not told, I came!,’ wrote another.

‘For them I have become like a lighthouse, warning us of danger. Let us all become beacons of light, for all our children!’  

Many hinted at carrying their burden for decades, never speaking about the horrors they endured. 

‘In 1978 a little boy started crying… In 2014, he still is,’ one victim wrote.

While another added: ‘For the last 28 years I’ve always felt it was my fault, that I deserved it. Now, three months after my meeting I am at last accepting that I’m not responsible, I’m just a survivor.’ 

Others were more direct with their words, writing piercing phrases such as ‘no justice still’, ‘accounted for’ and ‘let our voice echo love’.

As the five-year $500 million inquiry wrapped up in Sydney on Thursday a collection of more than 1000 letters (pictured) from survivors was handed to the National Library of Australia

As the five-year $500 million inquiry wrapped up in Sydney on Thursday a collection of more than 1000 letters (pictured) from survivors was handed to the National Library of Australia

'I came to share my story, not only for me, but for the ones that didn't make it, for all the stories not told, I came!,' one person wrote

‘I came to share my story, not only for me, but for the ones that didn’t make it, for all the stories not told, I came!,’ one person wrote

Others were more direct with their words, writing piercing phrases such as 'no justice still', 'accounted for' and 'let our voice echo love'

Others were more direct with their words, writing piercing phrases such as ‘no justice still’, ‘accounted for’ and ‘let our voice echo love’

Some spoke of blaming themselves, others described ‘deep and dark’ wounds, and many expressed their relief and gratitude at being able to bring their stories into the open.

 ‘All I ask of the Royal Commission is that all who had the courage of sharing their living hell, will at last be believed,’ one wrote.

Another bravely added: ‘I will not let your abuse of power and control take any more from me and my ability to hold onto life, to have hope and to speak out for other survivors.’

Their messages were consistent on one point – don’t let this happen again. 

Many hinted at carrying their burden for decades, never speaking about the horrors they endured

Many hinted at carrying their burden for decades, never speaking about the horrors they endured

The commemorative book, 'Messages to Australia', tells a story of stolen childhoods, painful confrontations and inspiring resilience by its anonymous contributors

The commemorative book, ‘Messages to Australia’, tells a story of stolen childhoods, painful confrontations and inspiring resilience by its anonymous contributors

More than 8,000 people spoke with commissioners about their abuse, a process which has exposed ‘a national tragedy’, according to chair Justice Peter McClellan.

‘The survivors are remarkable people with a common concern to do what they can to ensure that other children are not abused,’ he said during the hearing.

‘They deserve our nation’s thanks.’

Ray Leary, a victim of the infamous Dolly Dunn paedophile ring, hoped Australia would be a better place for children because of the commission’s work.

‘No more tears for us,’ he said outside the hearing in Sydney.

‘We’re survivors and we’re going to get it out there.’

Some spoke of blaming themselves, others described 'deep and dark' wounds, and many expressed their relief and gratitude at being able to bring their stories into the open

Some spoke of blaming themselves, others described ‘deep and dark’ wounds, and many expressed their relief and gratitude at being able to bring their stories into the open

More than 8000 people spoke with commissioners about their abuse, a process which has exposed 'a national tragedy', according to chair Justice Peter McClellan

More than 8000 people spoke with commissioners about their abuse, a process which has exposed ‘a national tragedy’, according to chair Justice Peter McClellan

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said he will consider the recommendations ‘with the respect and care that they deserve’ but offered no timeline before the report was handed down Friday.

UNICEF Australia director of policy and advocacy Amy Lamoin said all political parties at state, territory and federal level must show bipartisan support for necessary reforms and the implementation of the commission’s recommendations. 

‘We must ensure that, where responsibility for implementing the royal commission recommendations lies at an institutional level, that all types of institutions in Australia are held to account to make improvements in their processes around child safety and responding to allegations of child sexual abuse,’ she said.

Former prime minister Julia Gillard described the handing down of the final report from the child abuse royal commission as historic. 

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said he will consider the Royal Commission's recommendations 'with the respect and care that they deserve'

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said he will consider the Royal Commission’s recommendations ‘with the respect and care that they deserve’

Five years ago, Ms Gillard set up the inquiry which wrapped up its work with a 17 volume report.

‘On this historic day, my personal thanks go to the royal commissioners and all who supported their work. Our nation is indebted to you and to the survivors who fought so hard for justice and a safer future for our children,’ she tweeted. 

While Labor leader Bill Shorten said the royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse had changed Australia for the better.

‘We must never again allow the abuse of children to be covered up,’ Mr Shorten said after the release of the report.

‘Our task now is to bring about change so that every Australian child can enjoy a safe childhood, free from abuse. The recommendations from the royal commission cannot be ignored.’ 

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 



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