The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse's interim report was released six years ago today, and the effects from that earth-shattering document are still being felt.
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The final report was handed down in 2017, covering thousands of pieces of evidence from survivors, their supporters, and institutions and governments.
But getting the Royal Commission started in the first place was a battle that required people brave enough to stand up and take on these powerful institutions.
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Academics are now analysing the entire Royal Commission, a series of events which will be remembered as some of Australia's most significant.
La Trobe University sociologist Associate Professor Katie Wright is working with the Museum of Australian Democracy to profile some of the trailblazers who brought the Royal Commission screaming to life, in a series of videos titled Citizen Activism: Reclaiming Childhood Rights.
The first stage features Chrissie Foster, a Melbourne mother whose two daughters were repeatedly sexually abused by a priest and has become a tireless advocate; Care Leavers Australasia Network chief executive Leonie Sheedy, who was relentless in getting children abused in orphanages recognised; and Gold Walkley-winning journalist Joanne McCarthy, who wrote endless articles exposing the evils of the Catholic Church.
Associate Professor Wright said it was critical that these efforts are recognised and their efforts are not forgotten.
"For me, these films speak to broader stories about the power of people having a voice and the incredible work ordinary people have done in bringing attention to the issue of institutional abuse, holding organisations accountable, and forcing governments to take action," she said.
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"The films focus on three particularly prominent activists, but there are of course many others who have also made major contributions.
"What I'm hoping we can do with the larger project is record the incredible history of ordinary Australians taking action, which resulted in this Royal Commission, widely considered not only a highly successful inquiry, but an exemplary Royal Commission, and which provided a model for similar inquiries internationally.
"It only came about because of people standing up and speaking out and taking action, it's important for us to remember that, and honour that."
The project had been years in the making, and given more funding, could continue for many years, she added.
"I was very interested in questions of social change, and how it is that a topic previously taboo, speaking (about) child sexual assault, became something that people can speak about openly.
"That has been hugely important to bring about the kinds of changes that are needed to better protect children," she said.
June 30 is also the final day for institutions to sign up to the National Redress Scheme, which has been attacked by survivors as flawed - Associate Professor Wright said the difficulties indicated the challenge in translating some recommendations into action.
However, she said Ballarat is an example of a town haunted by a history of child sexual abuse reckoning with its past - the City of Ballarat, in partnership with survivors and advocates, is working on the Continuous Voices project to ensure survivors are heard.
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"One of the important things we need to do is to find ways keeping this subject in the public consciousness, and on policy agendas, so that it doesn't become like other Royal Commissions where it's forgotten and recommendations aren't fully implemented," she said.
"It's up to researchers to keep working on this, and communities to initiate the sort of activities underway in Ballarat, and for all of us to continue the conversation and the work the Royal Commission started."
The videos can be viewed at the Museum of Australian Democracy's Democracy. Are You In? site.
Affected by this story? There is help available.
You can phone the Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault, in Sebastopol, on 5320 3933, or free-call the crisis care line 24 hours on 1800 806 292.
Or, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380, or Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.
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