The federal government says anyone considering speaking to the Royal Commission into child sex abuse will be offered free legal advice about how to engage with the process.
Attorney General Mark Dreyfus has announced a free national legal advice line for people interested in providing information to the commission.
More than 5,000 people are expected to give evidence to the commission, which began in Melbourne in April.
Mr Dreyfus says he hopes many people will benefit from the new legal advice service.
"Providing free legal advice is a reassurance to people," he said.
"It's a reassurance to anyone who wants to participate in the Royal Commission that they're going to be looked after, that there is counselling available, that there's legal advice available and that when they go in to participate, they're not going in alone and there's help available."
Carolyn Bond of Community Law Australia welcomed the service, saying it was important to support those dealing with the "sensitive and troubling issue" of child sexual abuse.
The provision of "culturally safe services" might also help to break down the barriers that could prevent people from speaking up, she said.
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