Losing My Religion - Royal CommissionLosing My Religion - Royal Commission
samsn's STRONGER
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2013 - 2017) was established by the Commonwealth government to inquire into and report on responses by institutions (such as churches, schools, sporting groups and out-of-home care) to instances and allegations of child sexual abuse in Australia. To be abused by someone who has authority over you causes unique impacts for men. A significant number of child sexual abuse survivors are abused outside the home by male authority figures working in trusted institutions, such as religious leaders, teachers or coaches. These figures were often role models. When survivors tried to disclose or report to authority figures they were often disbelieved, re-traumatised and sometimes re-abused. This abuse of power by perpetrators and institutions with authority has caused significant long-term harm, including fear, distrust, avoidance and sometimes hatred of authority that can lead to clashes with teachers, bosses and those in positions of power. This sets many men on a life course leading to denied opportunities, failure to achieve, and clashes with authority figures. This episode shares some personal experiences of engagement with the Commission, as survivors spoke out to the community (often for the first time) about their abuse, their quest to be heard, and pursuit of justice and redress from the institution in which they were abused. Featuring (in order of appearance): Lindsay G, Journalist Philippa McDonald, Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM, Professor Rita Shackel, Dr Judy Cashmore, Sheridan, Pete R. Thanks to: Ric Herbert and Pearl Herbert for our ad Music: Licensed via Audiio.com LINDSAY - Farewell (Instrumental) AD / RIC HERBERT - Sebastian Kauderer: Two Big Reasons (Instrumental) PHILIPPA - Centre of the Sea: Condolences (Instrumental) PETE / FELICITY - Outland: Footprints (Instrumental) PHILIPPA - Sebastian Kauderer: Saving Carl CLOSING CREDITS - Seth Öphengon: A Safe Place (Instrumental)
1:15:08•30 Nov 2021
Losing My Religion: The Impact of Institutional Betrayal on Male Survivors
“What the royal commission did was first, it provided a safe space for male survivors to share their experiences and their stories of abuse.”
Imagine being betrayed by someone you trusted completely. In this episode of Samsn's STRONGER, the focus is on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. This commission was set up by the Australian government to investigate how institutions like churches, schools, and sports clubs handled allegations of child sexual abuse. The episode shares heart-wrenching stories from male survivors who were abused by authority figures they once looked up to, such as religious leaders and teachers.
These survivors often faced disbelief and further trauma when they tried to report their abuse. The episode also features insights from a journalist who covered the commission, shedding light on the unique challenges male survivors face. The discussion highlights the long-term impacts of such abuse, including distrust of authority and missed opportunities in life. It also talks about the National Redress Scheme, which aims to provide support and compensation for survivors.
This episode is a powerful exploration of a deeply troubling issue, offering guidance on pathways to healing and support for those affected. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the profound effects of institutional betrayal and the resilience of those who have survived it.
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