Child protection week launched
1 Oct 10
Early in September, Child Protection Week was launched in the Shoalhaven by the Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock.
Ms Hancock encouraged residents to join her at the launch which also featured Shoalhaven Mayor Paul Green and the Bravehearts team including mascot ‘Ditto’.
Bravehearts is an organisation established in 1997. United in the belief that child sexual assault must stop, Bravehearts members comprise of survivors, parents, professionals and non-abusive members of the community, mostly volunteers.
The launch took place in Egans Lane car park (behind Woolworths) with a community barbeque and white balloon giveaways.
“Bravehearts has been instrumental in highlighting the need to educate both parents and children to address the often undiscussed issue of child sexual assault,” said Mrs Hancock.
“Through the Bravehearts efforts ‘Ditto Keep Safe Adventure!’ is a school-based personal safety program with Bravehearts focusing on prevention and early intervention of domestic and family violence targeting areas of high need,” she said.
Tuesday 7 September also marked White Balloon Day, a day of showing public support and sympathy for victims of child sexual assault.
“White Balloon Day was first launched nationally in 1999 as a symbol adopted by Bravehearts to highlight child sexual assault, Queensland Police reported a 514 per cent increase in disclosures.
“This year marks the 14th anniversary of White Balloon Day and from the time of its inception it has prompted an increase in the number of child sexual assault disclosures.
“I am proud to support Bravehearts and White Balloon Day and appeal to South Coast residents to support the fantastic work of the Bravehearts organisation.
“By supporting them residents will be helping the tens of thousands of children and adults for whom this event means so much,” Mrs Hancock said.
Shelley Hancock and Ditto centre are supported by Shoalhaven Councillors and Mayor Paul Green right.