I wasn't going to post until after my hearing. But I have changed my mind due to a PM. Yesterday was a terrible day. I don't like to feel the past too much and confess that I am emotionally inept in many ways. For this I am truly sorry. I have a friend here who is kind and took the time to understand and explain how badly I present at times. Thankyou Mighty V8 You visited me and you were flexible in your' approach.
You are not afraid of the ugliness that is the reality of child abuse. You have not pried into the details and made me feel dreadful.
I had a PM from a woman in my state who has registered and I say this........Good on you. That is the first and most important move. I say to all in Australia who have been abused.........You will not be treated badly. You will have support, validation and a chance to explain how things really are. You must not minimise your experience and try to tell yourselves that your experience is less than another's. All experiences are important to the RC. Indeed! If you care to re-view the video's of the RC in Australia, you will see the woman who is next to justice McClellan. She is an integral part of this process and a most humane advocate of abuse victims. They don't have to be "all" female. Don't be afraid of coming forward. If you become afraid as I have many times.......phone them. They will never let you down or make you feel crazy.
I felt so afraid yesterday that I could hardly breath right. I was somewhere in the past and the now. I felt dreadful and so lonely. I called them and they called straight back. No judicial committee required. They cared and they cried with or for me....Don't stop now when the real "guts" of the matter are coming to light. Don't think you had a "one off experience" and it doesn't matter.
I know I will give testimony, but don't know what to do after it is done. They won't let you feel alone and we have good rational minds to do so much that is respectful, kind and supportive for the next wave of victims.
If you are sincere; in the name of reason and your basic respect of children, teenagers or vulnerable people: come forward and put this right. If you need me to encourage you. Call me. PM me and I will tell you that these people are very kind and serious about sorting this matter out.
They are educated, smart, emotionally kind.................