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Our ‘Journeys of Hope’ art exhibition was on display throughout NSW in
2017 and 2018, showcasing 50 artworks from survivors of child sexual
abuse in institutions. Interrelate has supported more than 1000 clients and
received over 42,000 calls since receiving funding in 2013 to provide Royal
Commission Community Based Support Services to survivors of child sexual
abuse and their families.
Although the inquiry period of the Royal Commission has finished, there
is still a long way to go for many survivors whose experiences have been
brought to the forefront. This exhibition was the shining light of hope
for many survivors who may be just beginning their healing journey. The
final leg of the exhibition was at Parliament House in Sydney, following
the National Redress Scheme which began on 1 July, where survivors of
child sexual abuse in an Australian Institution are eligible for redress to
acknowledge the harm they have endured.
Interrelate’s counsellors have been helping survivors like Wayne to deal
with the effects of childhood trauma and build supportive and healthy
relationships. As young children who were abused in institutions, they
didn’t have a voice. Through the Journeys of Hope art exhibition they were
provided a platform to share their stories, create awareness, encourage
others to speak and seek support, and most importantly highlight that
abuse in institutions should be prevented.
R OYA L CO M M I S S I O N
JOURNEYS