The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

It was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 people experienced institutional child sexual abuse in Australia.

Redress is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts.

The National Redress Scheme can provide three things:

• access to counselling;
•  a payment; and
• a direct personal response from the institution (e.g. an apology) for people who want it.

The scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years. The Anglican Diocese of Ballarat joined the Scheme in December of 2018. This means people who were abused in the care of The Anglican Diocese of Ballarat can apply to the Scheme for redress.

People can apply now using an online or paper form.

Free and confidential Redress Support Services are available throughout the process.

They can help explain the Scheme and who can apply.

For more information, visit www.nationalredress.gov.au or call the National Redress Scheme line on 1800 737 377.

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Emergency Support Contact Lines

If you or anyone you know needs help you can also call:

• beyondblue
  Counselling for mental wellbeing, anxiety, depression and suicide prevention.
  1300 224 636
• 1800RESPECT
  Confidential information, counselling and support service.
  1800 737 732
• MensLine Australia
  Counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns.
  1300 787 978
• Lifeline
  Confidential crisis support and suicide prevention services.
  13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service
  Professional counselling for people who are affected by suicide.
  1300 659 467
• Triple Zero
  000