Stop Child Abuse

Celebrities speak out

Hon David Llewellyn – Deputy Premier of Tasmania

Without doubt the experiences that children have of their family, friends and community, shape the kind of adults they become. It is so important that children feel safe, loved and secure in their relationships with their parents and other adults.

Child abuse, neglect and family violence are a major source of trauma and disadvantage for children as they grow up. It disrupts children’s development. It damages their sense of belonging. It confuses the way they see themselves. It can lead to long term emotional and psychological difficulties, such as mental illness, crime, drug and alcohol addiction.

There are many reasons for all of us to act together to stop child abuse. That is what this booklet is all about. It asks you not to turn away from the reality of the problem of child abuse, even though it can be hard to read about or think about. It asks you to be informed and be more aware about what child abuse is, how to recognise it and what to do to stop it.

Most of all, it gives everyone some really simple ideas about what we can all do as individuals, as parents, as members of clubs or groups and at work to prevent child abuse from occurring in the first place.

It all starts with celebrating the joys of childhood and valuing the role of parenting in the community. All children need adults to protect them and care about them.

I know that you will want to play your part and join the many other Tasmanians in helping to piece together a different picture for all of our children.

Other celebrities who have offered their support: