MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 22 January, 2015
Not so Lucky Country: Australians urged to help stop child abuse
As Australians prepare tocelebrateliving in the Lucky Country this Australia Day,leading child protection charity Barnardos Australia urgesthe nationto stop ignoringthe deplorable riseof Australian childrensuffering abuse and neglect.
Every 15 days an Australian child dies from assault[1] and nearly 40,000 children are not able to live at homebecause of abuse or neglect[2]. In 2013 there were a shocking 40,571 substantiated reports of Australian children suffering serious abuse and neglect, an increase of 33 per cent from 2010[3].
Barnardos CEO, Louise Voigt, says the rise of child abuse in Australia signals an urgent need for Australians to change their perspective on child abuse here at home.
“The statistics are outrageous. We have too manychildren suffering terrible abuse and neglect in Australia. Our children suffer every day and at alarming rates—it isn’t simply an overseas problem. Child abuse happens in our very own backyard.”
It is a tragedy that the generosity of Australian donationsto overseas causes is not matched at home[4].Barnardoslaunched its Child Sponsorship programso Australians couldprovide much needed support, counselling, rehabilitation and grief services for children in desperate need.
The program allows Australians to sponsor local children who have suffered abuse or neglect and to help Barnardos provide the vital services they need to ensure abuse and neglect is ended in their lives.
This Australia Day, Barnardoscalls on every Australian to change their perspective on child abuse—itis happening here and the situation is grim. By sponsoring local children in need everyAustralian can make sure all young people feel lucky to be Australian.
ENDS
Video:
For media enquiriesplease contact:Amy Lee-Hopkins: Ph: 02 9218 2390
About Barnardos Australia
Barnardos Australia is one of the nation’s leading child protection charities. A non-government, non-denominational charity, we have been at the forefront of child protection for over 130 years. We believe all children deserve a safe and stable home. We work with families and communities facing issues such as violence, poverty, mental illness and homelessness to keep children safe at home. Barnardos extensive range of services include, family and domestic violence support, mental health support, emergency accommodation, parent education, counselling, foster care and adoption. Our evidence-based research and dedicated caseworkers and carers ensure Barnardos is well equipped to fully support, care for and nurture children in need.For more information or to donate go to:
About Barnardos Australia Child Sponsorship
Barnardos Australia Child Sponsorship is a monthly donation program that enables Australian children who have suffered abuse or neglect to get the long-term care and support they urgently need. Monthly sponsor donationschange the lives of real Australian children by helping to provide safe and nurturing homes, counselling support, medical and dental care and access to educational support.Regular updates about the progress and life events of every child or young person sponsored is provided by theirBarnardos case worker to their sponsor. Sponsorship costs $30 a month. Become a child sponsorhere.
[1]A Picture of Australia’s Children, AIHW, 2012
[2]Child Protection Australia, AIHW, 2012-2013
[3]Child Protection Australia, AIHW, 2012-2013
[4]NAB Giving Index, August 2014