They have bravely recalled their darkest and most traumatic moments before strangers.
Now the Royal Commission into Institutionalised Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is extending its gratitude to the men and women who came forward to tell their stories.
Individuals who took part in the more than 1000 royal commission private sessions will be offered thank-you cards from commission chairman Justice Peter McClellan.
"We are enormously grateful to all those who have come forward, and helped others to come forward, to tell their story to the royal commission in a private session ...," the commission said in a statement.
The inquiry is also working on a book, Message to Australia, which will be made up of contributions from people who attended private sessions.
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The book is an opportunity for people to express their hopes for creating a safe environment for future children, the commission says.
The book will be kept at the National Library of Australia.
People who wish to be involved can phone 1800 099 340.
