Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
No. The Forum has concluded, and we are no longer accepting new enquiries.
If you have experienced child sexual abuse in a Victorian government school or certain non-government school, we encourage you to report what happened to the Victorian Police or the Victorian Department of Education. Visit the Department of Education website to see the options for reporting historical child sexual abuse in schools.
If you need support, visit our Support and wellbeing(opens in a new window) page.
The Forum is currently preparing its report for the Premier of Victoria. The report will be delivered to the Premier on 29 May 2026.
To contact the Forum please email contact@truthandrecognition.vic.gov.au.
Common myths
Myths about child sexual abuse can contribute to shame, guilt and fear. Below are a list of common myths and the facts to help debunk the misconceptions.
MYTH: I feel guilty about not reporting the abuse earlier. I could have prevented more abuse from happening.
FACT: Trauma is complex. People delay reporting or stay silent for many reasons. Abuse might be mistaken by children for love or attention. This confusion can lead to guilt and fear. It is not your fault.
MYTH: My memory of the abuse is vague, so no one will believe me.
FACT: Trauma memories can be unclear or hidden. A person may not know that their experience was abuse until they are older.
MYTH: It's been a long time since the abuse, so I should be coping better now.
FACT: Pushing feelings away can make the trauma seem smaller than it is. Pushing memories and feelings away can affect people long-term. Sharing experiences can help people see the impact of trauma.
MYTH: People will not believe me because I have not spoken up sooner.
FACT: A person can seem fine while feeling deep shame or anxiety. Many people who have experienced child sexual abuse hide their distress to cope. It can take some people many decades to share their experiences.
MYTH: If I disclose sexual abuse, people will think I invited the abuse or did something to deserve the abuse.
FACT: No child deserves to be abused. The responsibility always lies with the perpetrator.
MYTH: I should keep the abuse a secret, so people do not judge me or treat me differently.
FACT: Shame and fear can make people stay quiet. Speaking up takes courage. Speaking up breaks the silence and can help others know that they are not alone.
To see more facts about child sexual abuse, you might like to visit the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare page.
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