What a great program, can we do this all over the world?
The recent onslaught of famous names embroiled in child sex-abuse cases has put the spotlight on the issue and its devastating effects, says Today’s Lisa Wilkinson.
With convictions of personalities such as Robert Hughes and Rolf Harris, Wilkinson says at least one good thing to emerge out of the terrible stories is spreading awareness of abuse.
‘‘It brings to the forefront an issue that people find very uncomfortable to talk about or recognise that statistics don’t lie,’’ Wilkinson says. ‘‘Most recently, with issues surrounding high-profile people who have been able to enact deeds of complete and utter evil on children, we are finally starting to see this as an issue that we must confront.’’
The figures are chilling: 59,000 Australian children are affected by sexual assault each year.
That works out to one child every 9 minutes. However, it is likely that this number reflects the number of children abused not the number of child sex abuse cases since most sexually abused children are repeatedly molested.
If a child is molested an average of 3 times a year, then there would be a child sexually abused every 3 minutes in Australia. If a typical molestation lasted 3 minutes, then, technically, there would always be an abuse occurring somewhere in Australia.
Worse, on average it takes victims 22 years to report assaults.
Wilkinson is one of a long list of celebrities lining up to support charity Bravehearts, which supports children who are victims of sex assaults, in a new social-media campaign.
Linked by #whoRUprotecting, celebrity ambassadors have written the answer on their hands and taken selfies – and are encouraging people to do the same and post on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
It’s all in the run-up to White Balloon Day, the day marking support for victims of child sex abuse, on September 12.
Wilkinson – mum to Jake, 20, Louis, 18, Billi 16 – has been working with the charity for 15 years. ‘‘Any way I can help I want to, because if you look at the statistics they are horrendous. One in five Australian children will be sexually assaulted in some way before their 18th birthday.
‘‘We know the power of social media, so the idea is for everyone to show their support for any child in their life that they want to protect.
‘‘It’s really a way of sharing a very simple message that we want to support and protect our children and the idea is to get as many people as possible sharing a selfie and spreading the word.’’
TV presenter Natalie Gruzlewski joins V8 star James Courtney, Ironman Guy Andrews and Ten’s Georgina Lewis in supporting the campaign.
Gruzlewski said as a mother there was nothing more important that protecting children. ‘‘Getting involved in White Balloon Day by donating or raising awareness or uploading a selfie is so simple and will make such a big difference to the support services that Bravehearts provides in the community,’’ she said.
Bravehearts chief executive Hetty Johnston said all of its ambassadors were ‘‘children’s champions’’ and was vital support for its work which includes education and counselling services to children.
‘‘Child sexual assault is preventable but we need all adults who care to step up and take a stand,’’ she said. Amen!
 |
| Channel Ten's Georgina Lewis is one of many celebrities supporting the campaign against child sex abuse |
With convictions of personalities such as Robert Hughes and Rolf Harris, Wilkinson says at least one good thing to emerge out of the terrible stories is spreading awareness of abuse.
‘‘It brings to the forefront an issue that people find very uncomfortable to talk about or recognise that statistics don’t lie,’’ Wilkinson says. ‘‘Most recently, with issues surrounding high-profile people who have been able to enact deeds of complete and utter evil on children, we are finally starting to see this as an issue that we must confront.’’
 |
| Today's Lisa Wilkinson says recent high-profile cases have highlighted the issue. |
That works out to one child every 9 minutes. However, it is likely that this number reflects the number of children abused not the number of child sex abuse cases since most sexually abused children are repeatedly molested.
If a child is molested an average of 3 times a year, then there would be a child sexually abused every 3 minutes in Australia. If a typical molestation lasted 3 minutes, then, technically, there would always be an abuse occurring somewhere in Australia.
Worse, on average it takes victims 22 years to report assaults.
Wilkinson is one of a long list of celebrities lining up to support charity Bravehearts, which supports children who are victims of sex assaults, in a new social-media campaign.
 |
| Matt Doran in his selfie to help protect Australian children. |
It’s all in the run-up to White Balloon Day, the day marking support for victims of child sex abuse, on September 12.
Wilkinson – mum to Jake, 20, Louis, 18, Billi 16 – has been working with the charity for 15 years. ‘‘Any way I can help I want to, because if you look at the statistics they are horrendous. One in five Australian children will be sexually assaulted in some way before their 18th birthday.
 |
| Actor Simone Buchanan shows her support. |
‘‘It’s really a way of sharing a very simple message that we want to support and protect our children and the idea is to get as many people as possible sharing a selfie and spreading the word.’’
TV presenter Natalie Gruzlewski joins V8 star James Courtney, Ironman Guy Andrews and Ten’s Georgina Lewis in supporting the campaign.
 |
| Channel Seven weather presenter Liz Cantor. |
Bravehearts chief executive Hetty Johnston said all of its ambassadors were ‘‘children’s champions’’ and was vital support for its work which includes education and counselling services to children.
‘‘Child sexual assault is preventable but we need all adults who care to step up and take a stand,’’ she said. Amen!
 |
| Bravehearts chief executive Hetty Johnston |
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