Celebrities speak out
Naomi Castle - Captain of the Australian Women’s Olympic Water polo Team
I decided to support the Australian Childhood Foundation because I believe child abuse is a serious problem in Australia and it is essential that our society as a whole works to combat this issue and create an environment where children feel safe to speak out and stop their suffering.
The Australian Childhood Foundation is a much needed charity that works with children, families, parents and industry bodies to deepen the commitment and awareness of the Australian community towards the prevention of child abuse. The Foundation’s invaluable work strives to position the issue as a central focus of community concern. In addition, I believe we all need to take a stand for our nation’s young people and combat the “switch-off” factor that many of our peers and colleagues feel towards the issue.
We must ensure that our home environments, schools, churches, sporting institutions and clubs are safe and accountable.
1. Why have you agreed to get involved in raising awareness about the problem of child abuse?
Child abuse is a real problem in our society. The awareness of and support to help fight child abuse is required by our society, and also by us as individuals, to try to reduce it in the community.
2. What do you see as some of the challenges that face us as a community in dealing with the problem of child abuse?
It would seem that victims of child abuse have real trouble in speaking out and defending themselves against the abuse. It's hard for the community to create an environment where children feel safe speak out and to stop abuse they are suffering.
3. What would you say to other adults about playing their part to ensure that all children in our community are safe from abuse?
I think this starts firstly at home. Adults have to ensure that their home environment is safe and free from abuse for their own family/children.
Other celebrities who have offered their support:
- Message from the Deputy Premier of Tasmania, Hon David Llewellyn.
- Message from Robyn Moore – Australian actor and voice of Blinky Bill.
- Message from David Boon – Former Australian cricketer.
- Message from Kim and Dave – Radio personalities on SEA FM.
- Message from Naomi Castle – Captain of the Australian Women’s Olympic Water Polo Team
