It will be the only public forum in the region for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The forum is open to individuals, community groups and service providers and offers people a chance to find out more about the commission’s work, or to register to share their stories with a Royal Commission officer.

“The issue of child sexual abuse may be a confronting topic for many people,” Relationships Australia Bathurst branch manager, Leona Bishop, said.

It has not been made clear why Bathurst was chosen to host the forum, but the history of child sexual abuse in the city is well-known. 

Strike Force Belle was established in 2008 to investigate allegations of paedophile activity at St Stanislaus’ College and All Saints’ College in the 1970s and 1980s.

To date, the strike force has laid more than 300 charges against 11 former priests and school staff.

Ms Bishop said speaking privately or publicly at the Royal Commission can be empowering and helpful, but it can be distressing.

“[It] can re-traumatise survivors, that is why there is need for support and referrals,” she said.

“Those affected often report a sense of relief that finally they have been heard and believed.

“Victims were often silenced as children and not believed. Often if they did disclose, they were punished for making these allegations against respected members of the community.”

Victims of child sexual abuse can suffer long after the incident with relationship and family problems, mental health problems, substance abuse and a loss of intimacy.

Ms Bishop said the loss of innocence at an early age can lead to a loss of dignity, shame, humiliation and sometimes victims can feel responsible for the abuse.

Relationships Australia has been providing community-based support services for people affected by the commission since its inception in January, 2013.

The commission’s Bathurst public forum will be held at the Bathurst City Community Club on Tuesday, June 14 from 5.30-7.30pm.

Children under the age of 16 who want to attend should be accompanied by an adult.

Anyone seeking more information about the forum can email stakeholders@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au.

Established in 2013, the commission has held more than 30 community forums across Australia.