About the Forum for Truth and Recognition
The Forum for Truth and Recognition: Victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools will be independent from government and allow all victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse (prior to the year 2000) in Victorian government schools and certain other schools to share their experiences and contribute to a public record.
The Forum for Truth and Recognition will contribute to the understanding of the trauma experienced by victim-survivors and allow the government to better prevent and respond to child sexual abuse in government schools now and into the future.
It has been established with guidance from victim-survivors and stakeholder organisations.
Why was the Forum established?
In June 2023, the Victorian Government established a Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools.
The Board of Inquiry delivered its final report to the Governor on 26 February 2024. You can read the final report on the Board of Inquiry’s website.
The final report made 9 recommendations to the Victorian Government.
In June 2024, the Victorian Government accepted all nine recommendations made by the Board of Inquiry in full or in principle.
The Forum for Truth and Recognition responds to Recommendation 3, that the Victorian Government establish a statewide truth-telling and accountability process for victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in all Victorian government schools.
You can read the recommendations and see a progress update at Board of Inquiry.
Establishing instrument
The Premier established the Forum for Truth and Recognition as a Formal Review under section 93 of the Inquiries Act 2014 (the Act).
The Act allows for a Formal Review to be established to consider important issues affecting the community.
Forum for Truth and Recognition will be required to inquire into and report on:
- the experiences of victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse who were abused by a relevant employee in any Victorian government schools prior to the year 2000; and
- the experiences of victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in a Victorian non-government school prior to the year 2000, where the alleged perpetrator was previously a relevant employee of a Victorian government school and allegedly committed child sexual abuse while employed at that government school.
You can view the Establishing Instrument(opens in a new window)
About the Chair
Ms Angela Connors has been appointed as Chair of the Forum for Truth and Recognition.
Ms Connors has significant executive and leadership experience in social policy fields, including within the Victorian Public Service, consultancy and not-for-profit organisations. She has a deep understanding of Victorian communities and diverse stakeholder groups.
Timeline
The Forum for Truth and Recognition is currently establishing its processes and workplan.
Avenues to participate will be shared on this page once available.
The Forum is required to deliver its report by 29 May 2026.
How can I participate?
The Forum for Truth and Recognition is currently establishing its processes and workplan.
Updates will be provided on this page when available.
The Forum can be contacted at contact@truthandrecognition.vic.gov.au
Support services
Specialist support services and helplines offer support for children and adults who have been victims of abuse. They can also provide advice for support options for family members.
Other support services offering crisis and counselling support
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