Our society is facing significant social and moral challenges. Recently, the historical and ongoing sexual harassment and abuse inflicted by prominent people in our community, has sparked public outrage. Sadly our most vulnerable, children, have been suffering for many years. The extent of this suffering was highlighted by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, in Australia.
Mr Taylor, General Manager of the Child Abuse Prevention Service (CAPS), stated that “Child sexual abuse is a social issue of epidemic proportions.” In Australia, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 9 boys will fall victim to the horrors of sexual abuse before they reach the age of 18 years. “In 85% of child sexual abuse cases the perpetrator is known to the victim and is a person whom the child should be able to trust; a family member, close friend, neighbour, teacher, coach or respected authority figure.” Mr Taylor said.
These statistics are deeply disturbing to say the least. “That the most vulnerable and innocent members of our society, children, are being violated in such overwhelming numbers, most often by the very people who are entrusted with their protection, is incomprehensible. It is not just sexual abuse, it is all types of child abuse and trauma that affect our children and impact society as a whole.” stated Mr Taylor.
CAPS has been investigating and addressing these devastating abuses since 1973. CAPS is an established leader in the prevention of childhood trauma and child abuse. Our Safe Children, Safe Families program (SCSF) has over the last three years changed children’s and families lives for the better by identifying and addressing risk factors, and by enabling families to enact protective behaviours and strategies. Our SCSF program has a 93% success rate and directly brings empowerment, joy and happiness to families through connections, communication and improved well-being. CAPS desperately needs generous donations and bequests in order to continue helping children and families, and simply cannot continue the mammoth task of tackling the child sexual abuse epidemic without your help. By making a financial contribution of any size you will impact lives and therefore the very fabric of our society and future. We encourage you to consider leaving a will bequest to CAPS. For more information on how or to make a donation visit our website www.childabuseprevention.com.au
