Resources
Department of Education website for victim-survivors of child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools
Information on supports and options available to former students of Victorian government schools who experienced child sexual abuse by an adult working in their school is available on the Department of Education website:
This site includes information on counselling support options, compensation, seeking school records, and a range of other information.
Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools
In June 2023, the Victorian Government established the Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools. The Board was asked to:
- establish a public record of victim-survivors’ and secondary victims’ (families, friends and supporters) experiences of child sexual abuse by ‘relevant employees’ at Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools between 1960 and 1999
- examine the response of the Department of Education at the time
- examine appropriate ways to support healing for victim-survivors’ secondary victims and affected communities, as well as to assess the effectiveness of support services for adult victim-survivors of child sexual abuse in government schools.
The Board delivered its report on 26 February 2024 which made 9 recommendations to the Victorian Government.
The Victorian Government accepted all 9 recommendations.
Information on the Board of Inquiry and the final report is available at:
The Victorian Government’s response to the Board of Inquiry report is available at:
The Victorian Government’s progress on the implementation of the Board of Inquiry’s recommendations, including the recommendations being implemented by the Department of Education, is available at:
Forum for Truth and Recognition
The Victorian Government has established a Forum for Truth and Recognition for people who have experienced child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools to share their experiences, have their voices heard, and contribute to the public record.
The Forum is currently open for former students to share their experiences and will deliver a report to the Victorian Government in May 2026.
Further information on the Forum is available at:
Other Victorian government inquiries into child sexual abuse
- Betrayal of Trust, the report of the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Organisations 2013(opens in a new window) – examined religious and other non-government organisations’ responses to the criminal abuse of children by personnel within their organisations. It did not examine abuse in Victorian government schools but made a number of recommendations for reform impacting the department and schools
- Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse 2013(opens in a new window) – explored institutional child sexual abuse across Australia, including schools, churches sports clubs and government agencies. Since 2018 the Victorian Government has been working to implement 300 of its recommendations
Services specialising in crisis or counselling support relating to sexual assault and abuse
- The Sexual Assault Crisis Line(opens in a new window) – a statewide, after-hours, confidential telephone counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault. Phone 1800 806 292
- Sexual Assault Services Victoria website(opens in a new window) – provides an interactive map of specialist sexual assault services across Victoria. These services provide counselling and advocacy for all victim–survivors, as well as others impacted by sexual assault
- Blue Knot(opens in a new window) – supports adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, as well as parents, partners, family and friends, and the professionals who work with them. Phone 1300 657 380
- Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN)(opens in a new window) – Australia’s leading organisation for male survivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters. SAMSN provides a range of free supports including a peer support phone line, and many resources that prioritise the wellbeing of survivors and their supporters. Phone: 1800 472 676
Other support services offering crisis and counselling support
- Lifeline(opens in a new window) is available for anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide. Phone 13 11 14, or text 0477 131 114 at night (6 pm to midnight)
- Kids Help Line(opens in a new window) provides free, private and confidential counselling services for young people aged 5 to 25. They offer both telephone and online services. Phone 1800 551 800
- 13 YARN(opens in a new window) is a national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in crisis. They offer a culturally safe and confidential one-on-one over the phone yarning opportunity and support with a trained Lifeline Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Phone 13YARN (13 92 76)
- Rainbow Door(opens in a new window) is a free specialist LGBTIQ+ helpline. It provides information, support and referral to all LGBTIQ+ Victorians, their friends and family. Phone 1800 729 367, text 0480 017 246 or email support@rainbowdoor.org.au (10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week)
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