But when a child experiences or is at risk of harm, the holidays don’t look like a Christmas catalogue, and their household can be anything but peaceful.
The Australian Child Maltreatment Study1 highlights some sobering facts about child abuse, neglect and domestic violence in this country.
More than 1 in 3 girls, and almost 1 in 5 boys
Have experienced sexual abuse, with girls twice as likely to be violated.
1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2023. Child Protection Australia 2021–22. Cat. no: CWS 92. www.aihw.gov.au
Your donation will be the reason that another child can begin to heal.
For Gabbie, opening up about the sexual abuse and trauma she had experienced was difficult. It all began when Gabbie was just seven years old. Sitting in a therapy room was triggering for Gabbie, so our therapists began simply by walking and talking. Over time, Gabbie and her family began deeper work with our family support service and were referred for specialist therapy.
Then, Gabbie made a big breakthrough. Gabbie began to do much better in the classroom and with her grades. Her mother has made changes in the family environment, acknowledging the harm from other family members, no longer keeping the abuse hidden. Together we can help more kids like Gabbie.
*Names and images changed to protect the individual’s and family’s privacy.
