ONE in five Australian children will be sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday and in 85 per cent of cases, the offender is known to the child as a relative or a trusted friend, according to government research.
Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling is calling all residents to play their part in raising awareness and funds for children in need as the countdown begins for the Bravehearts annual White Balloon Day on September 6.
A White Balloon Day event will be held at Centro Whitsunday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, featuring free face painting and entertainment for kids.
The nation-wide event aims to raise awareness about child sexual assault and help empower survivors to break the silence.
It is a key fixture National Child Protection week from September 2-8, and all funds raised will go towards education and counselling programs.
Bravehearts founder and executive director Hetty Johnstone said White Balloon Day was a symbol of hope for future survivors of this devastating crime.
“White Balloon Day is about encouraging kids to come forward and break the silence, while we raise the necessary funds to ensure vital support networks and programs can continue,” she said.
“We are asking the community to help us raise money to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child.”
AWARENESS EVENT
What: White Balloon Day event
Where: Centro Whitsunday
When: Friday, September 6
Time: 8.30am-5.30pm
Contact: 4946 2999