The LOUDfence on St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral in Ballarat has been there for nearly 10 years. Initial attempts to remove the ribbons saw a public outcry with LOUDfence supporters restoring the fence. The message for institutions is to own your LOUDfence or it will own you.

A LOUDfence is a public expression of grief and dismay when institutions repeatedly fail in their duty to protect children in their care.

LOUDfence is a grassroots international movement dedicated to raising awareness of widespread child sexual abuse in our communities and the lifelong harms it causes. Each ribbon gives a voice to a victim silenced and seeks to reduce the stigma they often experience in later life.

Next time you see a LOUDfence please consider adding a ribbon to show your support!

One in three women and one in five men will have been abused as children, so it is very likely that you will know someone impacted.