A woman who was sexually abused as a child while in institutional care has encouraged Canberrans to share their own experiences before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
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During an information session in Woden on Wednesday afternoon, Jane Rosengrave spoke of her experience detailing multiple instances of abuse.
"I want people to know what I have been through," she said. "I want them to see how hard my life has been and learn from the mistakes of the past," she said.
Ms Rosengrave, who lived in institutional care for nearly 21 years, encouraged others who had either endured or witnessed abuse to speak up.
The information session, organised by advocacy group People with Disability Australia, provided counselling and advice for friends and family of those who had been abused.
People with Disability Australia co-chief executive Matthew Bowden said the 90 minute session also advised whistleblowers and staff on the importance to detailing abuse.
"The attendance was good and we had a mixture of people in the room from those with disabilities to other advocates and parents too," he said.
"There is no timeframe for reporting and anyone in Canberra is able to contact the commission at any time. It is a national commission and is active all around the country."
A similar information session was held in Queanbeyan on Tuesday.
"We will be back in Canberra in September to hold forums for people who were abused in institutions and we will also be holding a forum at Parliament House," said Mr Bowden.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse can be contacted on 1800 099 340.
