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| latest news 12 April 2005 News Release Australia is rapidly becoming an abusive society towards its children, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation warned today, based on new research on the incidence of child abuse* in Australia. The report, Childhood Abused: The pandemic nature and effects of abuse and domestic violence on children in Australia, shows there were nearly 220,000 incidents of child abuse last year – double the number from five years ago. The Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s Chairman John Bertrand said this alarming figure equated to a child being reported abused every two minutes. “Australia is currently facing a pandemic in relation to child abuse,” Mr Bertrand said. “Since 1999, the instances of child abuse in Australia have risen by 100 per cent. “Alarmingly, our research show that this is only the tip of the iceberg – for every child reported abused, countless others never come to light and the children remain unsafe and unprotected.” Mr Bertrand said the Foundation was launching its “Taking Care of the Little Things” Appeal, which consists of a TV, print and radio advertisements, as a call to action for the community to work together in addressing child abuse. The Foundation also aims to raise much-needed funds to assist abused children through its Appeal. “We believe that children are this country’s most valuable resource, yet they are also our most vulnerable and they are under threat like never before,” he said. “Please help us protect and nurture our children by giving generously to our Taking Care of the Little Things Appeal.” The Prime Minister and The Alannah and Madeline Foundation Patron, John Howard, said today that is was crucial that “we protect the interests of Australian children and ensure that as a community we put a priority on addressing the needs of vulnerable children.” The research, undertaken by Prof David Brown and Zoran Endekov, of La Trobe University, shows that the incidence of child abuse notifications has risen from 107,134 in 1999/2000 to 219,384 in 2003/04. Of the total number of child abuse notifications in 2003/2004, Victoria had 36,965 and Tasmania had 7,248. “Often the suffering of children who are abused or who are victims of domestic violence goes unnoticed,” said Mr Bertrand. “These children are at a greater risk of experiencing problems later in life, such as suicide, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness and involvement in crime. “In some cases they go onto abuse children themselves.” Mr. Bertrand called for a greater collaborative effort by the police, government, support agencies, not-for-profit organisations, business and the general community to address this alarming issue and to break the cycle of abuse. The Alannah and Madeline Foundation plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of abuse by minimising the damage and disruption that abuse caused to children’s lives. “We help to restore a child’s life to normality by providing the things that many of us take for granted, such as a warm clean bed to feel safe in or clothing and toys,” said the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Andrew Chappell. “In doing this we help children to feel normal again so that they can overcome their traumatic experience and reach their full potential. “The increased demand on our services, however, means that we cannot do it alone and so we need the community to support us by donating to our Appeal. “Every dollar raised will make a substantial difference to the lives of hurt children.” “For instance, the cost of a train ticket can allow the Foundation to change lives by helping an abused child to attend his counselling sessions. By purchasing a new teddy bear, a young victim of sexual abuse can be released from the emotional blackmail inflicted by her father through the withholding of her favourite toy. “With these simple acts, a child can make significant progress towards healing from their horrific ordeal,” he said. Mr. Chappell said the Foundation was not a counselling or welfare organisation, but worked with police and other support organisations by doing the little things that help children and families get back on their feet when they are at their most vulnerable. Donations to the “Taking Care of the Little Things” Appeal can be made via The Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s Appeal Line. Tel (03) 9697 0666; by visiting the AMF website: amf.org.au; by post to The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, Level 1, 6 Charles Street, Sth Melbourne, VIC 3205; through the donation envelope in the Herald Sun on Monday 18 April, 2005, or at any Australia Post outlet in Victoria and Tasmania. Cheques should be made out to: The Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
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