- Published:
- Wednesday 17 December 2025 at 10:15 am
It has been a busy few months at the Forum for Truth and Recognition.
We launched and opened our enquiry lines in October 2025. Since then, I have started my travels, received the first submissions and met with people in person and online, to listen to their experiences of child sexual abuse in Victorian schools.
I would like to acknowledge that the people coming forward have been incredibly courageous, brave, and generous in sharing their experiences with the Forum.
I appreciate that taking this step and contributing to the public record can be challenging. It is important to me that people feel safe and comfortable while sharing their truth. For those considering whether to participate, there is information including a video of me speaking about my background and experiences on the Meet the Chair(opens in a new window) page on our website. Hopefully this helps provide a sense of who I am and what it might be like to speak with me.
While I have met and talked to people through the Forum, people have asked me – who am I? Well, I am a values-driven person and leader, who has always been drawn to contributing to something meaningful. As Chair, I reflect on my time working in child protection, out-of-home care and mental health support, where I came to see and understand the lifelong impacts of abuse, including child sexual abuse. I worked directly with children, young people, and adults who had experienced abuse and often had to navigate complex situations throughout their lives. In these roles and outside of work, I have maintained a commitment to creating better outcomes for vulnerable people.
At the Forum, I am guided by you and your preferences. You can choose when and how you participate. You could meet me in person or online or send us a written or creative submission. Whatever feels right for you.
You are most welcome to give us a call and have a chat with me to decide whether or not you would like to participate. You can call 1800 967 933 (free call) or email contact@truthandrecognition.vic.gov.au.
As we come to the end of 2025, I would like to thank everyone for their involvement and participation. I would like to extend this thanks to the group of people with lived experience who have generously supported the Forum by observing our practice and providing their valued advice throughout our establishment.
I am grateful for the support we have received from organisations and government departments, who have collaborated with us to share our message with Victorians far and wide.
I wish everyone a safe and restful holiday season and look forward to the opportunity to connect with more people in 2026.
Your sincerely,
Angela Connors
Chair of the Forum
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