About the memorial
The Australian Government recognises the experiences and needs of victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. The government announced the National Memorial for Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse in the 2020–21 federal Budget. The memorial responds to Recommendation 17.6 of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The memorial will be in Canberra, on Acton Peninsula near the National Museum of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. The site is tranquil, easy to access and well known. It will provide a respectful place to honour victims, survivors, families and supporters.
The memorial will acknowledge the experiences of victims and survivors. It will honour those who lost their lives. It will also recognise the courage of people who fought for justice, and those whose voices were not heard. The memorial will be a place for truth, reflection and healing.
The memorial will also help Australians understand the lasting harm caused by institutional child sexual abuse. It will be a permanent reminder that we all have a role in keeping children safe now and in the future.
We are responsible for delivering the memorial. The National Capital Authority is helping us by managing the design and construction.
In late 2020, we held a national public consultation. It asked people with lived experience, their families and advocates and other stakeholders for their views. Their feedback helped shape the memorial’s themes to inform the design, features and location. For more information, read the Consultation Summary Report.
National Memorial Advisory Group
The National Memorial Advisory Group includes survivors and community leaders. It was set up in October 2020 to help shape the memorial. The group gives advice on the design and development of the memorial. It makes sure the memorial reflects the voices and experiences of victims and survivors. The group has been involved in every stage of the project and will continue to help guide the remaining stages.
We thank the National Memorial Advisory Group for its ongoing work and support.
Design and establishment
The National Capital Authority led a public process to choose the memorial design. Independent experts gave advice on whether the design could be built. The National Memorial Advisory Group also gave advice to make sure the design would speak to victims and survivors and meet the memorial’s purpose.
The memorial design (pictured above) was created by SUPERSENSE Studio(Opens in a new tab/window). It features a metal sculpture set among stone forms and plants. The design aims to connect with the experiences of victims, survivors, their families and friends.
After completion, the National Capital Authority will take on care and maintenance of the memorial.
More information
For further information, read the Frequently Asked Questions.
Learn about the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse(Opens in a new tab/window).
Visit the National Capital Authority website for more information about the memorial design, its meaning and the construction work(Opens in a new tab/window).
Learn about the National Redress Scheme(Opens in a new tab/window) for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
For other enquiries, email RCMemorial@dss.gov.au.
Help and support
Child sexual abuse can be hard to hear, think or read about. Help and support are available at any time.
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000(Opens in a new tab/window)).
For immediate emotional support, contact:
- 1800RESPECT(Opens in a new tab/window): 1800 737 732
- 13 YARN(Opens in a new tab/window):13 92 76
- Beyond Blue(Opens in a new tab/window): 1300 224 636
- Kids Helpline(Opens in a new tab/window): 1800 55 1800
- Lifeline Australia(Opens in a new tab/window): 13 11 14
- Mensline Australia(Opens in a new tab/window): 1300 78 9978
- Suicide Call Back Service(Opens in a new tab/window): 1300 659 467
For specialist support services, contact:
- Redress Support Services(Opens in a new tab/window): 1800 737 377 – 8am to 5pm weekdays (AEST)
- Find and Connect Support Services(Opens in a new tab/window): 1800 16 11 09 – 9am to 5pm weekdays (AEST)
- Forced Adoption Support Services: 1800 21 03 13 – 9am to 5pm weekdays (AEST)
For a list of resources, please visit – National Association of Services Against Sexual Violence(Opens in a new tab/window).
Find more information about services that help people escape violence and stay safe at help and support.