Tomorrow is White Balloon Day. White Balloon Day is an official day within National Child Protection Week, held from 4-11th September 2011. Protecting children from abuse is just so important. I found out about White Balloon Day this week at the kids daycare and just had to share … below is some information I have collated from the White Balloon Day Website. Please … do the WHITE thing and support White Balloon Day!!
What is White Balloon Day all about?
White Balloon Day is not only a day of recognition, awareness and support for victims of child sexual assault, but is also the principle fundraising initiative which enables Bravehearts to continue its’ programs and services to protect children.
Did you know?
- One in five Australian children will be sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday
- 59,000 children are sexually assaulted in Australia each year
- In 95% of cases, the offender is known to the child and is a relative or a trusted friend
- Only 5% of child sexual assault cases are “stranger danger”.
What does the White Balloon symbolise?
The White Balloon was considered symbolic of the issue of child sexual assault following reflection on a public demonstration, which was held in Belgium on 20th October, 1996. On this day 300,000 people gathered with white balloons and white flowers in a show of public sympathy and support for the parents of the young girls who were either murdered or missing at the hands of a previously convicted and released paedophile Marc Dutroux. White Balloon Day is now Bravehearts’ signature national event and the white balloon has become synonymous with child protection in Australia.
How can I get involved in White Balloon Day event?
There are many ways that you can get involved in White Balloon Day!
- Fly a white balloon on your letterbox on 7th September
- Purchase a White Balloon Day t-shirt, key ring or lapel pin and wear it proudly
- Purchase White Balloon Day car flags and display on your car
- Attend an official White Balloon Day event
- Make a donation to Bravehearts Inc. online or over the phone on 07 5552 3000.
I am a parent/teacher and would like some resources to educate my children/students about child sexual assault.
The Bravehearts Inc. website provides a wealth of information on how to educate your students about this issue. Please visit the Bravehearts website resources page for fact sheets and tips on how to keep your children safe.
How do I talk to younger children about child sexual assault and White Balloon Day?
Here is some suggested language for you to explain White Balloon Day to young children/students: “White Balloon Day is a special day that is all about making sure that everyone knows that we need to make sure that children, like you, are safe and that if anyone ever does anything to make you feel unsafe or unsure, you know what to do.” For more information, read “Teaching Kids to Be Safe” herehttp://www.bravehearts.org.au/docs/fact_sheet_teaching_personal_safety.pdf.
