Extensive research conducted by the Australian Childhood Foundation has revealed a critical insight: survivors of child sexual abuse often felt let down by the adults around them. They wished those adults had noticed the signs, known how to talk to them or responded with compassion when abuse was disclosed. This failure allowed the abuse to persist, unchecked. It's clear that efforts to protect children from abuse must prioritize the wisdom of those who have experienced it firsthand. Without centring their voices, our protective measures are inherently limited in effectiveness. That's why the Collective Experience Project is urging the Government to take action. By integrating mandatory education on child sexual abuse prevention into the Working With Children Check program, we can make a profound difference in the safety of all children. It's a straightforward change with the potential for far-reaching impact. Let's prioritize the safety and well-being of our children by implementing this crucial initiative.
We are proud to announce the release of the first report from survivor-renamed Our Collective Experience Project, formerly Emma's Project. This report – Hear us now, act now – is the first of its kind in Australia. It gathered key insights from survivors of child sexual abuse to understand what they know could have helped keep them safe. The findings are eye-opening – they demand change and leave no room for questioning if it is needed. Today, at Victoria’s Parliament, Emma Hakansson, our Deputy CEO Janise Mitchell, and members of the Our Collective Experience Project Lived Experience Advisory Committee will call for the Government to hear the voices of victim-survivors of child sexual abuse and propose the first recommendation to create the change needed for a safer future for all children. That recommendation is for mandatory education on child sexual abuse prevention to be included within the Working With Children Check program and all other registration systems for people who work with children. It is a simple change that can enormously impact the safety of all children. Your support is vital to amplify the voices of survivors. You can help us promote the safety of future generations of children and young people. Visit our website to download the report and lend your voice to this campaign by asking key government Ministers to take action. Share this Project with your networks to ensure that the voices of survivors are heard loud and clear: https://bit.ly/49nU5Mz. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ If you are concerned about the safety of a child or young person, contact the Child Protection Services in your area or ring 000 and ask for ‘Police’. If you or someone you care about is living with the effects of sexual abuse and violence, there is information and support available. Visit Blue Knot foundation at www.blueknot.org.au or ring them on 1300 657 380. You can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
