The Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse concluded in Sydney today with more than 2,500 allegations handed to police.

After five years and some 8,000 witnesses, Michael McLaren says the hearing today demonstrated how widespread child sexual abuse has been.

Helen Pitt, Senior Reporter with the Sydney Morning Herald speaks with Michael to share the powerful scenes from court today.

“The hearing room itself was packed, overflowing.

“Many of them were family of people who had been abused or taken their lives. Some of them as long as 40, 50 years ago.

“The tissue boxes were on the seats as soon as we walked in.

“There were many, many people in tears. I think including the Prime Minister and the opposition leader. It was very moving.”

Listen to the full interview below