Remembering the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse

21 October 2026

The National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, delivered on 22 October 2018, was an important moment of national recognition for people who experienced abuse in institutions entrusted with their care.

Eight years on, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of victim-survivors and the importance of ensuring they can access support, recognition and redress.

The apology followed the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which, from 2013 to 2017, investigated how institutions responded to allegations and incidents of abuse. The Royal Commission heard from thousands of victim-survivors and made recommendations aimed at improving institutional accountability and protecting children from abuse.

One outcome of the Royal Commission was the establishment of the National Redress Scheme, which provides eligible people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse with access to a monetary payment, counselling and psychological care, and the opportunity to receive a direct personal apology from the responsible institution.

Making an application can be a significant and deeply personal decision. For some people, revisiting past experiences or engaging with the process may bring up difficult emotions. Having someone to explain the available options, answer questions and provide support can help make the process more manageable.

Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) offers free, confidential, trauma-informed assistance through our Redress Support Services. We support victim-survivors to understand the Scheme, consider their options and navigate the application process, while also providing access to therapeutic support.

Our Open Place service also provides National Redress Scheme support for Forgotten Australians, recognising the experiences of people who spent time in institutional or out-of-home care.

One person who used our Redress Support Services shared the following reflection on their experience:

‘Other counselling was not successful, which made my experience with RAV even more valued. I want to stress how much I appreciate that at last I have been listened to and more importantly, have been believed. I am very grateful for the help you have provided.’

As we mark 8 years since the National Apology, we recognise the people whose experiences led to this national acknowledgement and reaffirm the importance of listening to victim-survivors, responding with care and working towards safer environments for children.

If you or someone you know has been affected by institutional child sexual abuse, support is available to help you understand your options.