Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Victorian Government Schools

Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide information and advice to school staff on responding to any matter relating to historical child sexual abuse with sensitivity, respect, and accountability.

Summary

• Schools must follow this policy and guidance when responding to any matters relating to historical child sexual abuse and contact the department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team for support.
• The Restorative Engagement and Support team is responsible for providing information and support to victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools – refer to: Victim-survivor support for former students.
• This team also supports schools to respond to disclosures, reports, queries, or requests relating to historical child sexual abuse from former students, media, or members of the general community.
• The Restorative Engagement and Support team will also advise schools on managing any current child safety risks arising from a disclosure or report of past child sexual abuse.

Details

The department is deeply committed to acknowledging our past failings, to supporting victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools, and to learn from the past to ensure the care and safety of children and young people today and in the future.

For more information about learning from the past refer to the guidance chapter: Acknowledging and learning from the past.

This policy and associated guidance supports schools to:

• respond sensitively and respectfully when engaging with victim-survivors of historical sexual abuse in their school
• respond with transparency and accountability when faced with any matter relating to historical child sexual abuse at their school.

For information on the terms used in this policy and guidance, including the meaning of historical child sexual abuse, refer to the Definitions section below.

Support for schools to respond to historical child sexual abuse

Schools must report any disclosure, report, query or request relating to historical child sexual abuse to the department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team (REST) on:

• Phone: 03 9057 4500
• Email: REST@education.vic.gov.au

The Restorative Engagement and Support team is responsible for providing information and support to victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools. For further information on the support available to victim-survivors refer to: Victim-survivor support for former students.

The Restorative Engagement and Support team also supports schools to:

• respond sensitively, respectfully and confidently when engaging with victim-survivors of historical sexual abuse in their school
• respond to a request for a memorial or other form of physical acknowledgement at the school
• respond with transparency and accountability when faced with any matter relating to historical child sexual abuse at their school such as media reporting or current criminal proceedings.

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will refer the school to other parts of the department where required, including Legal Division, Conduct and Integrity Division, and the Knowledge, Privacy and Records Branch.

The Guidance tab provides further information on the above processes. It also provides schools with guidance on how to manage any initial disclosure or report from a former student with sensitivity and respect – refer to Responding to reports from former students of historical sexual abuse.

Managing current child safety risks

The Restorative Engagement and School Support team will advise schools on responding to any current child safety risk that may arise following a disclosure or report of historical child sexual abuse, for example, where the allegations by the former student relate to a staff member who is still working (or was recently working) in a school.

For information about reporting and legal obligations to protect current students at risk of abuse refer to:

• Protecting Children – Reporting and Other Legal Obligations
• Reportable and Notifiable Conduct.

Support for school staff

Some staff may find disclosures or reports of historical child sexual abuse distressing. Current school staff who are impacted by sexual abuse in schools can access the department’s Employee Wellbeing Support Services which provides free and confidential advice to proactively support staff wellbeing, as well as crisis support.

The Restorative Engagement and Support team can provide further advice on supporting impacted school staff.

Definitions

Adult working in a school
For the purposes of this policy and guidance, any reference to an adult working in a school means an adult who is or was employed or engaged to work in a Victorian government school. This could include an employee, contractor or volunteer.

Child sexual abuse
For the purposes of this policy and guidance, any reference to child sexual abuse refers to any sexual offence by an adult working in a school against a child, including sexual assault and grooming. A sexual offence against a child can include physical or non-physical sexual activity (including child abuse material), and any form of sexual contact with a child.

Historical child sexual abuse
For the purposes of this policy and guidance, any reference to historical child sexual abuse means sexual abuse by an adult working in a school that happened to someone (now an adult) when they were a student. This could mean the abuse happened years or decades ago and may not be remembered or disclosed for many years.

Victim-survivor
Throughout this policy and guidance, we refer to victim-survivors of child sexual abuse. This means a person who identifies as having experienced child sexual abuse. The department acknowledges that victims and survivors have the right to define their identity and some people may not identify with either of these terms.

Guidance

This guidance contains the following chapters:

• Acknowledging and learning from the past
• Reports and disclosures from former students of historical sexual abuse
• Requests from former students for information or school records
• Queries about historical sexual abuse from media, law firms and the community
• Media reports or new criminal proceedings about historical sexual abuse at a school
• Personal acknowledgement and apologies for former students
• LOUD fence ribbons on school fences
• Requests for memorials or other physical forms of acknowledgement

Acknowledging and learning from the past

The courage and advocacy of victim-survivors and their supporters have highlighted the department’s past failings in which students experienced child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools.

Since the Betrayal of Trust report and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the Victorian Government and the department have introduced significant reforms to protect the safety and wellbeing of children in schools today. These reforms include Victoria’s Child Safe Standards which require schools to have comprehensive policies, practices and procedures to prevent and appropriately respond to child sexual abuse, compulsory reporting of suspected child sexual abuse and reportable conduct by staff, improved information sharing tools, and robust screening of employment candidates.

In June 2023, the Victorian Government established a Board of Inquiry to investigate historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools. This Board of Inquiry shed light on the importance of the department acknowledging the historical sexual abuse perpetrated in government schools and the deep and long lasting impact this abuse has had on former students, their family, friends, and loved ones.

On 17 November 2023, the Secretary of the Department of Education apologised to victim-survivors of child sexual abuse in all Victorian government schools, their loved ones and affected communities on behalf of the Department of Education. The apology can be read at: Statement from the Secretary. For further information on the government’s response to the Board of Inquiry, please refer to Victorian Government response to the Board of Inquiry.

The work to understand the failures of the past and respond to these is ongoing.

In response to recommendation 3 of the Board of Inquiry, the Victorian Government has established the Forum for Truth and Recognition. This is an opportunity for victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in all Victorian government schools to share their experiences in a safe and respectful space and contribute to a public record. A final report on this forum will be provided to the Victorian government in May 2026. Further information on the forum is available at: Forum for Truth and Recognition.

In parallel to the Forum for Truth and Recognition, the department is undertaking a systemic review based on civil claims records and other disclosures to examine patterns of offending and institutional failings. The systemic review will deliver a report in 2026, incorporating data and analysis, observations and lessons learnt about historical child sexual abuse in government schools regarding patterns of offending and failures to prevent, detect or respond to abuse.

For information on the work underway to implement these and all other recommendations of the Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools, refer to Progress updates on the Board of Inquiry recommendations.

Victim-survivors can also contact the department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team (contact details below) to report their experiences and find information about supports that might be available to them. Reports about historical child sexual abuse can help the department understand the failures of the past, and help shape and inform current and future prevention and policy efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

Restorative Engagement and Support team:

• Phone: 03 9057 4500
• Email: REST@education.vic.gov.au
• Webpage: Victim-survivor support for former students

Reports and disclosures from former students of historical sexual abuse

Schools may be contacted by former students reporting or disclosing historical child sexual abuse at the school.

Former students who are victim-survivors of child sexual abuse may contact their former school for a number of reasons including to:

• ensure the school is aware of the sexual abuse that occurred at their school, and can keep a record of it
• protect other students in cases where the person may still be working in schools or elsewhere with children
• seek a personal acknowledgement of harm, an apology, or other action from the school to support their wellbeing or healing
• ask for school records, relating to themselves or to others
• seek information about compensation or redress options
• confirm the name or role of a staff member who taught them
• request certain action from the school, for example to remove a reference to the staff member that is still visible at the school (such as a photo, honour board, building name) or to acknowledge the abuse through a memorial or other symbolic action.

It can take immense courage for a victim-survivor to contact their former school about child sexual abuse. Doing so may bring back painful memories and involve significant emotional vulnerability. When a person reaches out, it is vital that the school responds promptly, and with sensitivity, respect, and compassion.

Report for support from the Restorative Engagement and Support team

Schools must report any contact from former students reporting historical child sexual abuse to the Department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team:

• Phone: 03 9057 4500
• Email: REST@education.vic.gov.au
• Webpage: Victim-survivor support for former students

The Restorative Engagement and Support team can support schools to respond to any engagement from a victim-survivor of historical child sexual abuse in a way that is sensitive and trauma-informed.

The Restorative Engagement and Support team can also refer the school to other parts of the department where required, including Conduct and Integrity Division, Legal Division and the Knowledge, Privacy and Records Branch.

Managing an initial phone call or in-person visit from a former student reporting historical sexual abuse

School staff responding to a phone call or in-person visit from a former student disclosing or reporting an experience of child sexual abuse by an adult working in the school can support them by:

• listening carefully and compassionately
• staying calm, engaged and connected to what is being said
• if possible, moving to a quiet space where they will not be interrupted
• thanking them for sharing their experience
• apologising that they had this experience as a child or young person
• being supportive and validating their experience without judgement
• acknowledging the courage it might take to get to the point they can call or visit the school to talk about their abuse
• asking what they are hoping for, in terms of next steps.

Staff should not ask for specific details of the abuse or ask the former student to elaborate on their experience. However, the former student may do this of their own accord.

School staff can:

• directly support the former student with any request for records – refer to Responding to requests from former students for information or school records
• refer the former student to the department’s website for former students who experienced child sexual abuse by an adult working in a Victorian government school which includes information on counselling and wellbeing supports, reporting, and compensation options: Victim-survivor support for former students
• tell the former student that the department now has a specialised team, the Restorative Engagement and Support team who receive reports of historical sexual abuse by school staff (including volunteers and contractors) and can provide information to former students about options and available supports. Their contact details are:
  • Phone: 03 9057 4500
  • Email: REST@education.vic.gov.au
  • Webpage: Victim-survivor support for former students
• ask the former student if they would like to have someone from that team call them back, and if so get their contact details, and ask if a specific time or day suits them best.

School staff should also explain to the caller that they need to report the information provided to the department, and if there is a current risk to child safety, to Victoria Police.

Reports of historical child sexual abuse may be distressing for staff. It is important to remind staff that the department’s Employee Wellbeing Support Services provides free and confidential support and counselling, as well as crisis support.

Managing any current child safety risks arising from a report by a former student of child sexual abuse by an adult working in the school

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will support schools with actions they need to take to manage any current child safety risks arising from a report by a former student relating to child sexual abuse by an adult working in a Victorian government school.

These actions will depend on the individual circumstances but may include:

• reporting to the department’s Conduct and Integrity Division if required under the department’s policy on the Reportable Conduct Scheme who will determine whether or not a report needs to be made to Victoria Police and/or the Commission for Children and Young People under that scheme
• seeking advice and guidance from the Conduct and Integrity Division in regard to child safety and employment action if the alleged perpetrator is a current member of school staff, including removing the staff member from the school where required to manage the child safety risk
• reporting to Victoria Police.

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will provide tailored advice to schools in these circumstances.

Requests from former students for information or school records

Former students who are victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse by an adult working in that school may contact their former school to ask for information or records from the past. This might include asking questions about past teachers or students or requesting school records relating to them.

Former students may request information or copies of school records for many reasons, including:

• to support a National Redress Scheme application
• to support a claim for compensation through a legal process
• to help clarify or confirm a memory they may have
• to understand more about their school experience and early life.

The following guidance focusses on requests for information and school records from former students who disclose that they are a victim-survivor of sexual abuse by an adult working in a Victorian government school.

School staff do not need to know why a student is requesting information or school records so it is not necessary to ask if the student is a victim-survivor of sexual abuse. For information about requests for information from any former student, schools can follow the guidance on the department’s Requests for Information about Students policy.

Responding to requests from victim-survivors of child sexual abuse for information or school records

The department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team can support both schools and victim-survivors directly with any queries relating to requests for information or school records in relation to a person who reports sexual abuse by an adult working in a Victorian government school:

• Phone: 03 9057 4500
• Email: REST@education.vic.gov.au

Administrative release – supporting people to access their own records

There are some situations where information or school records can be released without the person needing to go through the Freedom of Information (FOI) or other formal process. This is known as administrative release.

Some examples of administrative release are:

• if the information or record is about the person requesting it (their own records)
• information about school staff criminal offences if a conviction is on the public record
• any information that is already on the public record.

Administrative release of information should be used wherever possible.

How to administratively release records to someone (about themselves)

Generally, if someone is requesting access to records that are entirely about themselves, under administrative release the school only needs to verify their identity (or sight a signed authority to release their information to a third-party, for example, a lawyer) before releasing the information.

Examples include:

• academic school reports about them
• individual enrolment and attendance records
• suspension and expulsion records about them
• newsletters, yearbooks, or school photographs of themselves
• any document that would ordinarily be provided to that person if they are or were a student.

If the principal has concerns about releasing any material, they can contact the department’s Privacy unit for advice:

• Phone: 03 8688 7967
• Email: privacy@education.vic.gov.au

Privacy unit will be able to advise on whether it may be necessary for the applicant to submit an FOI request. Schools should not attempt to redact documents themselves due to risks associated with reversing such redactions if not performed correctly. If the person has disclosed that they experienced child sexual abuse by an adult working at the school, the school can also seek advice from the Restorative Engagement and Support team.

Requests for records that are not the requestor’s own personal records

Sometimes former students will request information that is not their personal information, for example information about a former teacher.

The following information can be administratively released to former students (even though it is not a record about them):

• the name of a particular employee that was employed at the school during the time of the former student’s period of enrolment (for example, their classroom teacher at the school in 1982)
• the year level when a particular teacher taught them or the subject that a particular teacher taught while they were a student
• the dates an employee worked at a school (if they are no longer employed by the department)
• whether an employee is no longer working in a government school
• the names of other teachers working at the school while the student was enrolled
• any information that is already on the public record.

Schools must refer requests for any other records to the Privacy team (for general requests) or the Restorative Engagement and Support team (for requests from victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse for advice) for advice.

There is some information that the school and department can’t share with former students for privacy reasons, unless it is under a court order such as a subpoena or another privacy law exception applies. This includes:

• dates an employee worked at a school, if the person is still employed
• whether other students reported abuse by the same person and, if so, whether the school or department took any disciplinary action (unless that information is already public)
• whether there is a limitation on the person that prevents them from being employed at a school, unless this limitation was applied as a result of an investigation relating to the person requesting the information.

All requests for information or records that are not the student’s own records need to be considered carefully.

Where the former student has disclosed that they experienced sexual abuse by an adult working at the school, school staff must seek advice from the Restorative Engagement and Support team.

If the former student has not disclosed, school staff can seek advice from the Privacy unit.

Queries about historical sexual abuse from media, law firms and the community

On occasion, schools may receive queries or requests relating to historical child sexual abuse from media, law firms or members of the general community.

Media queries

If anyone from the media contacts the school for comment on allegations of historical child sexual abuse at the school or by a person who works or worked at the school, the principal must refer them to the Media Unit on 03 8688 7776 or media.unit@education.vic.gov.au

Legal queries

If a legal representative approaches the school or an individual staff member on behalf of a former student, the principal must contact the department’s Legal Division on 03 9637 3146.

If a school becomes aware that a social media post by a law firm has named the school in the context of child sexual abuse, the principal should contact the Restorative Engagement and Support team on:

• Phone: 03 9057 4500
• Email: REST@education.vic.gov.au

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will support the school with an appropriate response for their school community, refer to: Responding to media reports or new criminal proceedings about historical sexual abuse at a school.

Community queries

If a member of the community contacts the school about a media article or social media post, school staff should:

• thank them for contacting the school and:
  • if the school is aware of the post – acknowledge this and advise that the school is seeking advice from the department on an appropriate response which might include notifying the parent/carer community
  • if the school is not aware of the post – ask them for more information and if appropriate, ask them to provide a copy of the article or post
• note that the department has a website for former students who were sexually abused by an adult working at a Victorian government school which includes information about reporting and support options
• notify the Restorative Engagement and Support team, if they are not already aware of the article or post.

Media reports or new criminal proceedings about historical sexual abuse at a school

When the department becomes aware of media reports (including social media reports) or new criminal charges relating to historical child sexual abuse by an adult working in a Victorian government school, the Restorative Engagement and Support team will support all relevant schools to respond in a way that is transparent, accountable, safe, and trauma-informed.

The response may include:

• supporting the principal to inform staff, parents and carers of the media or court proceedings
• providing information to parents on the child safety measures the school has in place today
• ensuring the community is aware of how to report and seek support if needed – for many schools there may be parents, family or community members that attended the school in the relevant time period, who may benefit from learning of the supports offered by the department in relation to historical child sexual abuse.

The department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team will prepare communications for the school to send out to their school community, in consultation with the department’s Legal Division and Media Unit and the school’s regional director.

The timing and content of any such communication may depend on a range of factors including advice from police or direct consultation with victim-survivors.

Personal acknowledgement and apologies for former students

The department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team is responsible for supporting requests from victim-survivors of sexual abuse by an adult working in a Victorian government school for a personal acknowledgment and apology from a senior department representative through a structured process. The Restorative Engagement and Support team will first work very closely with the survivor, sometimes over a considerable period of time, to understand their needs and objectives for the acknowledgement and apology.

Victim-survivors can:

• meet with a senior department representative
• receive a personal letter from a senior department representative
• request a memorial or physical form of acknowledgement, or some kind of symbolic action.

The department also supports similar restorative processes through direct personal responses as part of the National Redress Scheme for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

The department representatives who participate in these processes are usually regional executives or executives working in areas relating to child safety, who have received training in restorative processes.

A victim-survivor may also request that the principal or other senior leader from their former school is present at a face-to-face meeting. When this happens, the Restorative Engagement and Support team works with the school to determine an appropriate participant and to ensure they are well-prepared for any meeting.

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will also work closely with school staff, if the victim-survivor asks to visit the school or for the meeting to take place at the school, to ensure that the victim-survivor’s needs can be safely met.

LOUD fence ribbons on school fences

LOUD fence is a community movement where victim-survivors of child sexual abuse, their loved ones and supporters tie brightly coloured ribbons to fences and public spaces as a symbol of support, awareness and solidarity.

Ribbons on a fence can be an important opportunity for school leaders and communities to:

• show support and solidarity for former students who have experienced child sexual abuse
• encourage a school community to collectively ensure everything is being done to help prevent similar abuse from happening again
• support open and transparent conversations about child sexual abuse and the importance of listening to children and young people.

Schools considering a LOUD fence, or responding to any requests to tie ribbons to the fence, must contact the department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team for advice and support:

• Phone: 03 9057 4500
• Email: REST@education.vic.gov.au

More information about the LOUD fence movement is available on their website: LOUD fence Inc.

Requests for memorials or other physical forms of acknowledgement

The following guidance supports schools to respond to requests from a victim-survivor, loved one or supporter, for a memorial or other physical forms of acknowledgement relating to child sexual abuse by an adult working in a Victorian government school. Some examples might include an installation, artwork, tree planting, seat/bench, removal of a perpetrator’s photos from around the school or their name from school honour boards or buildings.

Schools that receive questions or requests for memorials or other physical forms of acknowledgement relating to child sexual abuse by an adult working in a Victorian government school must contact the department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team for support:

• Phone: 03 9057 4500
• Email: REST@education.vic.gov.au

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will support school leadership and the victim-survivor or other impacted persons throughout the process.

About memorials

Memorials and other physical forms of acknowledgement, are one way of acknowledging and commemorating lived experiences. They are a visible response that can support healing for victim-survivors, their loved ones, and affected communities and support their journey forward. They can also serve as an important symbol of accountability and a collective commitment to truth, and as a commitment to the protection of current and future students.

A memorial or installation can be more than a visual expression – it can also be a place for ceremony (conversations or events) and a prompt for engagement and participation by the community. Considering the location of the memorial within a school, bearing in mind these factors, is also important.

The department acknowledges that for some, the term memorial may not be the right word. Any process of working with victim-survivors, their loved ones or supporters in relation to a memorial (as described in this guidance) will include consultation on language and terms that are right for them.

Purpose of memorials and other physical forms of acknowledgement

Former students who have experienced child sexual abuse by a person working in a Victorian government school (or their loved ones or supporters) may request a memorial or other physical form of acknowledgement for a number of reasons, including for:

• recognition or acknowledgment of past harm
• engagement, education and prevention, for current and future generations of children
• honouring victim-survivors and their loved ones
• providing a place or symbol of hope and reflection.

The department respects the diverse ways victim-survivors, their loved ones or supporters, may wish to be heard, acknowledged and remembered.

Types of memorials

The department takes a broad view of what might constitute a memorial. There should never be a one-size-fits-all approach and engagement with victim-survivors, their loved ones and supporters is essential to ensure the memorial is meaningful to them. The planning process, location and final design of a memorial in a Victorian government school must also take into account the advice and considerations outlined in this guidance.

Current examples of memorials in schools include reflective gardens, plaques, tree plantings, ribbons on fences as part of the LOUD fence movement, artworks and other installations or expressions.

Support from the Restorative Engagement and Support team

The department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team is responsible for supporting schools with questions and requests from victim-survivors of child sexual abuse by an adult working in a Victorian government school.

When schools receive questions or requests for memorials or other forms of acknowledgement relating to child sexual abuse, they must contact the Restorative Engagement and Support team for support.

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will:

• work with the school to ensure any initial and ongoing engagement in relation to a request is trauma-informed, responsive, inclusive and safe
• evaluate the request against the considerations outlined in this guidance to determine if the memorial can be supported
• support the school to communicate the outcome of this evaluation
• support the school throughout the process of planning and establishing the memorial, ensuring appropriate and safe engagement with the victim-survivor, loved ones, supporters, and consultation with the school community
• provide any relevant information or records that can support school staff to understand the history of sexual abuse at their school.

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will support school leadership and the victim-survivor or other impacted persons throughout the process of considering, planning and establishing a memorial at the school.

Initial response to a request for a memorial or other physical forms of acknowledgement

If former students, their loved ones or supporters contact the school with questions or requests relating to a memorial acknowledging child sexual abuse, it is important for school staff to:

• respond with empathy, respect, and without judgement
• thank the survivor for their courage in coming forward
• explain that they will contact the team in the department that supports schools with requests for a memorial relating to child sexual abuse by an adult working in that school, and ask for the person’s contact details and preferred time and mode of contact
• contact the Restorative Engagement and Support team for further support.

If the request is received by the school in writing, the principal must contact the Restorative Engagement and Support team for support in responding.

Considering requests for memorials

After receiving a request for a memorial or other physical form of acknowledgement, the department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team will work with school leadership and the relevant regional director to consider whether the request for a memorial on school grounds can be supported.

The relevant regional director has ultimate responsibility for approving commencement of a process to establish a memorial or other physical form of acknowledgement, based on advice from the Restorative Engagement and Support team and after consultation with the school leadership and school council.

Approval will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will depend on a range of circumstances including:

• the location, form and purpose of the memorial or other form of physical acknowledgement being requested
• the person making the request – generally the department will only be able to support requests made by or on behalf of former students who report that they are a victim-survivor of child sexual assault by an adult working in a Victorian government school, or requests from an immediate family member if the former student is deceased
• any known views of other victim-survivors who are former students of the school
• the views of school leadership and school council
• any known or anticipated impact on current or former school community members
• any other factors relevant to the school or their current or former community.

Concerns about the current reputation or standing of the school will not be a factor in considering requests for memorials on school grounds.

To support decision-making relating to a request for a memorial the department may also consider:

• department enrolment, employment, and disciplinary records, and any other records that might be relevant to the request
• any known charges, convictions or other allegations relating to the alleged perpetrator.

Support for a memorial may need to be reconsidered during the course of the planning and establishment process, depending on any new information or factors, including the health, safety or wellbeing of any participants or impacted community members or others.

Engagement with victim-survivors, their loved ones or supporters

The department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team will work with the school to ensure:

• victim-survivor voice is central to the planning process and final form of any memorial or other physical form of acknowledgement
• victim-survivors have choice about how they wish to participate and their level of engagement
• victim-survivors and/or loved ones have access to counselling and support during the engagement
• sufficient time is allowed for meaningful engagement, recognising that this may involve multiple steps, pauses, and ongoing check-ins with the person requesting the memorial
• any engagement is safe for all including victim-survivors, their supporters, students, school staff and members of the school community.

Where it is likely or known that there are other former students who are victim-survivors of child sexual abuse by the same or another adult who worked at the school, the Restorative Engagement and Support team will work with the school and with the person requesting the memorial, to consider ways to safely promote awareness of and invite their participation in the memorial process.

Consultation with school community

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will provide tailored advice to schools on the type and extent of consultation required for the broader school community.

The approach to consultation will depend on various factors, including:

• the needs of victim-survivors and/or their loved ones
• the purpose, form and location of the memorial
• the impact of the memorial on both the school and wider community.

Key considerations for planning the location and final form of a memorial

This section outlines some key considerations when planning for a memorial but is not an exhaustive list. The Restorative Engagement and Support team will work with individual schools, and where appropriate, directly with victim-survivors, to identify other considerations unique to the request or to their school environment that may affect the planning process, form and location of a memorial.

Following the planning process, approval for the final form of a memorial or other physical form of acknowledgement is the responsibility of the regional director, on advice from the Restorative Engagement and Support team, and considering the views of all persons involved in the process.

Child safety and wellbeing

Student safety and wellbeing must remain central when considering a memorial on school grounds both in relation to the location and form of the memorial as well as the process used in the planning for and communication about the memorial.

Where applicable, the department’s Restorative Engagement and Support team will support schools to:

• consider sensitive, age-appropriate words or signage that might be part of the memorial or physical form of acknowledgement
• provide age-appropriate communication and education to help students understand the memorial's purpose in a safe and sensitive way
• ensure staff are supported with clear guidance to respond to student questions or emotional responses appropriately
• engage with parents and carers to ensure the school community understands the intent of the memorial and how it aligns with the school’s commitment to child safety for current and future generations
• ensure information about the memorial is culturally appropriate, considering local sensitivities, and is inclusive
• ensure the location and form of the memorial avoids any physical or psychological risk of harm to students.

Staff safety and wellbeing

The department and schools have responsibilities under occupational health and safety legislation to provide and maintain an environment that is safe and without risks to the health and wellbeing of staff.

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will work with the school to ensure that the needs of victim-survivors are thoughtfully balanced with any particular sensitivities in the staff community, including consideration of potential impacts a memorial may have on staff health and wellbeing.

Access

Victorian government schools are not public places and there is no general right for the public to enter school grounds at any time. If a memorial is intended to be accessible to the public (for example, as a reflective space for survivors and others) the Restorative Engagement and Support team will work with the school to consider whether this request can be supported balanced with the other considerations in this guidance including child safety.

Ongoing maintenance

When planning a memorial, it is essential to consider and plan for the long-term care and maintenance of the memorial. A poorly maintained or neglected memorial can unintentionally cause distress or signal a lack of care for the people it seeks to honour. For this reason, the feasibility of maintaining a memorial over time is an important element of the initial planning and decision-making process.

The Restorative Engagement and Support team will work with the school and the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) to identify any maintenance needs and responsibilities and ensure these are considered when working with a victim-survivor, loved one or supporter on the final form and location of a memorial.

Initial and ongoing costs

Investing in quality design, materials, and ongoing maintenance helps ensure a memorial is both meaningful and enduring. At the same time, the costs must be reasonable and proportionate, recognising the need to balance sensitivity and respect for victim-survivors and their loved ones, with responsible use of school and department resources and public money.

Funding

Schools are not responsible for funding individual memorials. The Restorative Engagement and Support team will work with the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) and seek its approval to fund reasonable costs associated with individual memorials. The funding source and allocation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Support for impacted staff and communities

Some members of the school community may have complex feelings or concerns about the introduction of a memorial.

The Restorative Engagement and Support team can support schools by drafting bespoke communications to school staff, school councils and the wider school community about the purpose of the memorial, the consultative process and any other relevant information. The team will also work with the school to identify any wellbeing supports appropriate to the needs of staff, students and impacted communities.

Confidentiality and record keeping

Information relating to a request for a memorial is typically highly sensitive and schools should manage any records relating to these requests with strict confidentiality, sharing information only on a need to know basis or otherwise with consent of the individual.

Records of receiving and responding to requests must be stored together in a secure location that restricts access to only those staff that are managing the memorial process. For example, hardcopy records must be stored in a locked location, digital records, such as emails, must be removed from shared email inboxes and stored in a secure folder.

Contact for further information or support

Schools can contact the Restorative Engagement and Support team with questions or requests for support on:

• Phone: 03 9057 4500
• Email: REST@education.vic.gov.au

Resources

Department of Education website for victim-survivors of child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools

Information on supports and options available to former students of Victorian government schools who experienced child sexual abuse by an adult working in their school is available on the Department of Education website:

• Victim-survivor support for former students.

This site includes information on counselling support options, compensation, seeking school records, and a range of other information.

Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools

In June 2023, the Victorian Government established the Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools. The Board was asked to:

• establish a public record of victim-survivors’ and secondary victims’ (families, friends and supporters) experiences of child sexual abuse by ‘relevant employees’ at Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools between 1960 and 1999
• examine the response of the Department of Education at the time
• examine appropriate ways to support healing for victim-survivors’ secondary victims and affected communities, as well as to assess the effectiveness of support services for adult victim-survivors of child sexual abuse in government schools.

The Board delivered its report on 26 February 2024 which made 9 recommendations to the Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government accepted all 9 recommendations.

Information on the Board of Inquiry and the final report is available at:

• About the Board of Inquiry.

The Victorian Government’s response to the Board of Inquiry report is available at:

• Victorian Government response to the Board of Inquiry.

The Victorian Government’s progress on the implementation of the Board of Inquiry’s recommendations, including the recommendations being implemented by the Department of Education, is available at:

• Progress updates on the Board of Inquiry recommendations.

Forum for Truth and Recognition

The Victorian Government has established a Forum for Truth and Recognition for people who have experienced child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools to share their experiences, have their voices heard, and contribute to the public record.

The Forum is currently open for former students to share their experiences and will deliver a report to the Victorian Government in May 2026.

Further information on the Forum is available at:

• Forum for Truth and Recognition.

Other Victorian government inquiries into child sexual abuse

• Betrayal of Trust, the report of the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Organisations 2013 – examined religious and other non-government organisations’ responses to the criminal abuse of children by personnel within their organisations. It did not examine abuse in Victorian government schools but made a number of recommendations for reform impacting the department and schools
• Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse 2013 – explored institutional child sexual abuse across Australia, including schools, churches sports clubs and government agencies. Since 2018 the Victorian Government has been working to implement 300 of its recommendations

Services specialising in crisis or counselling support relating to sexual assault and abuse

• The Sexual Assault Crisis Line – a statewide, after-hours, confidential telephone counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault. Phone 1800 806 292
• Sexual Assault Services Victoria website – provides an interactive map of specialist sexual assault services across Victoria. These services provide counselling and advocacy for all victim–survivors, as well as others impacted by sexual assault
• Blue Knot – supports adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, as well as parents, partners, family and friends, and the professionals who work with them. Phone 1300 657 380
• Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN) – Australia’s leading organisation for male survivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters. SAMSN provides a range of free supports including a peer support phone line, and many resources that prioritise the wellbeing of survivors and their supporters. Phone: 1800 472 676

Other support services offering crisis and counselling support

• Lifeline is available for anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide. Phone 13 11 14, or text 0477 131 114 at night (6 pm to midnight)
• Kids Help Line provides free, private and confidential counselling services for young people aged 5 to 25. They offer both telephone and online services. Phone 1800 551 800
• 13 YARN is a national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in crisis. They offer a culturally safe and confidential one-on-one over the phone yarning opportunity and support with a trained Lifeline Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Phone 13YARN (13 92 76)
• Rainbow Door is a free specialist LGBTIQ+ helpline. It provides information, support and referral to all LGBTIQ+ Victorians, their friends and family. Phone 1800 729 367, text 0480 017 246 or email support@rainbowdoor.org.au (10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week)