Her work has been tabled in parliament, informed law reform in Victoria and beyond, and distilled into two books, research projects and more than 50 peer‑reviewed articles and chapters. She has advised police, prosecutors and lawmakers, trained Interpol officers, and served on international editorial boards.
In recognition of her contribution to the protection and welfare of child abuse victims, Caroline was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.In 2004, she quietly founded a registered not‑for‑profit charity — using her own money — to provide scholarships to survivors whose education had been derailed by abuse. Nearly 20 years later, it continues without government funding.
Caroline has long argued that survivor voices must not simply be included; they must formally shape policy, legislation and reform at every level. In 2023, the Council of Europe commissioned her to write the world’s first Policy Guidelines for engaging and including victim‑survivors of childhood sexual abuse in all levels of policy, legislative and service reform. Those guidelines are now published in multiple languages and adopted by more than 50 countries.
THE guiding voice
PROFESSOR S. CAROLINE TAYLOR AM
Professor S. Caroline Taylor AM is internationally recognised as Australia’s leading publicly identified survivor advocate.
A survivor of intrafamilial child sexual abuse, she has spent more than 30 years demanding justice for victims, shaping law reform, and rebuilding systems so children are believed and protected.
Caroline endured two criminal trials that resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of her father and the complete rejection of her family and community. Many would have stepped away from public life. Caroline stepped forward.
After experiencing homelessness and interrupted education, she returned to university as a mature‑aged student, graduating with First Class Honours and completing an award‑winning PhD on how the law narrates, distorts and sometimes silences victims of child sexual abuse.
THE CAUSE
Intrafamilial sexual abuse is a profound systemic failure that has long been hidden within the safety of the home. We believe that the silence of our communities is the greatest barrier to healing and justice for survivors.
By walking the 670km from Melbourne to Canberra, we are demanding a Royal Commission into Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse. This journey is a collective statement that survivors deserve truth, support, and the right to be heard.