Victims of child abuse are meant to be passive and cowered. This is why perpetrators of child abuse and their institutional enablers are confused, dismayed and indignant to find that their victims are calling them out. Mice are not meant to roar!

Child sexual abuse has long been a taboo subject in Tasmania, with victims suffering immense stigma and lifelong harms. Silence only benefits child sexual abusers and those institutional abusers only too willing to turn a blind eye. But now the tide is turning with more and more victims and their supporters finding the courage to report their experiences, be they historical or more contemporary.

Emboldened to tell their truth, victims can seek justice but in doing so they serve to protect future generations of children. They will need to face-down those in our society who continue to prioritise personal, professional or reputational interests over the well-being and safety of children.

After all, what are we as a society if we don’t take care of our children? What future would we have?

Key takeaways

1. Speak-up! Silence only benefits the abusers and their enablers!
2. Next time you see a LOUDfence tie a ribbon to give a voice to a victim of child abuse!