Forum for Truth and Recognition
The Victorian Government has established an independent Forum for Truth and Recognition to acknowledge and better understand the lifelong impacts of child sexual abuse in schools.
The Forum is an opportunity for people who experienced child sexual abuse in Victorian Government schools and in certain non-government schools before the year 2000 to have their voice heard.
While Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) is not associated with the Forum, we recognise the lifelong impacts of childhood trauma, including child sexual abuse. We are sharing this information so that our clients and staff are aware of the Forum and the opportunity to participate should they wish to.
About the Forum
The Forum is a safe and respectful space for people to:
- share their experiences
- have their voices heard
- contribute to the public record.
Forum for Truth advises that the experiences shared will contribute to Victoria building a stronger shared understanding of the lifelong impacts of child sexual abuse in schools so we can better prevent and respond to it now and into the future.
People can participate in the Forum from now until March 2026.
The Forum will deliver a report to the Premier of Victoria mid-2026.
How to participate
People can take part in the Forum in several ways:
- Book an in-person or online personalised session with Angela Connors, Chair of the Forum.
- Send a submission by email or post – this could be in writing, a voice recording, or an artwork, poem or song.
- To participate in the Forum:
- Phone: 1800 967 933 (free call)
- Email: contact@truthandrecognition.vic.gov.au
- Post: PO Box 256, Collins Street West, VIC 8007
- The Forum’s enquiry lines are open 9am to 5pm weekdays, excluding public holidays.
- Attend an online information webinar – details are published on the Forum’s website.
- Find out more: visit www.truthandrecognition.vic.gov.au
Support
Information about support that is available to participants through the process is available on the Forum’s Support and wellbeing page.