As a woman in my sixties, and a survivor of childhood abuse, I am a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Group, Our Collective Experience Project. Reflecting on my experience, I believe that if the adults who worked with children at the time had received comprehensive training and if abuse had been openly discussed, things may have been different. Greater awareness of the prevalence of abuse, understanding the warning signs, recognising when a child is at risk, and responding appropriately to disclosures are critical. I am passionate about using my lived experience to help create safer environments for children today and into the future.