Minister calls for openness to thwart child abuse

Communities and Youth Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has called for greater community awareness of abuse in the home, as part of Child Protection Week this week.

Attending Braveheart’s annual White Balloon Day fundraising lunch today (Tuesday, September 9), Ms Nelson-Carr said greater community awareness and intolerance of abuse was vital to ensuring the protection of children.

“Now in its 11th year, White Balloon Day is helping to achieve new levels of community awareness, particularly in relation to child sexual assault,” she said.

“Research shows children are more likely to be abused by someone they know rather than by a stranger.

“The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates 96 per cent of children abused physically, sexually or emotionally, know their abuser.

“This is why it’s so important we talk openly about child abuse – something many people find too hard to confront, yet it has such devastating and lifelong affects in the lives of victims.”

Child Protection Week runs nationally from September 7-13 and promotes the belief that it is everyone’s responsibility to make their community child-friendly.

“Protecting our children and enhancing community safety is a whole-of-government priority in Queensland,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The Department of Communities has a particular focus in relation to prevention and early intervention services, promoting safe, nurturing environments for children and helping to keep families together.”

Bravehearts currently receives $420,000 each year from the Department of Communities to provide counselling and family support services to people who have experienced sexual assault as a child.

“The department allocates funding to non-government organisations across the State to provide various prevention and early intervention services, ranging from family support to domestic and family violence prevention,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“All children have the right to a safe and happy childhood which is why our broad-ranging programs are designed to provide assistance to families sooner rather than later.”

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 428