Show Your Heart to Help Fight Child Sexual Abuse this Bravehearts Day

With a 25-year legacy of breaking the silence on child sexual abuse, Bravehearts has launched its inaugural Bravehearts Day campaign to raise awareness and funds for the prevention of child sexual abuse.

Formerly White Balloon Day, Bravehearts Day will be on Friday, 9 September, with registrations to get involved now open.

Held during National Child Protection Week (September 4-10), Bravehearts Day builds on the iconic legacy of White Balloon Day, the largest and longest-running child protection campaign focused on the prevention of child sexual abuse and supporting survivors of this crime.

Following the success of the event for more than a quarter of a century, which notably drove a staggering 514% increase in disclosures of child sexual abuse to the Queensland Police Service in its first year, Bravehearts CEO, Alison Geale said Bravehearts Day will continue to support survivors and children at risk.

“With approximately 1 in 5 children experiencing child sexual abuse or exploitation ^[1], we need communities across Australia to band together and show their heart this Bravehearts Day to protect kids,” said Ms Geale.

“Over the past couple of years, COVID-19 lockdowns have exposed children to more risk than ever – particularly as they isolated with predators who are either family members or known to the family, which is the case in up to 90% of child sexual abuse cases.^[2]

“By wearing a purple heart and registering to host a fundraising event or donating, Australians can help us create a world where people, communities and systems all work together to protect children from sexual abuse – an atrocious crime no child should suffer,” she said.

Over the past twenty-five years, the funds raised through White Balloon Day, now Bravehearts Day, have helped to educate more than 1.5 million children across Australia about personal safety with Bravehearts Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Program, as well as support counselling services for children and families impacted by child sexual abuse.

With the aim to raise more than $250,000 this year, Australians can support Bravehearts Day by registering now for a free Bravehearts Day Supporter Pack, wearing a purple heart and donating.

Those who supported White Balloon Day in the past can be assured that although the campaign has been rebranded to Bravehearts Day due to growing concern about the environmental impact of balloons, the essence of the day remains. Bravehearts Day is and always will be, about protecting children and acknowledging and supporting survivors of child sexual abuse.

Bravehearts Day is made possible by the support of major sponsors Superannuation Advice Australia and Busy Bees Learning Australia and is funded by Commonwealth’s Department of Social Services, National Initiatives.

To register for Bravehearts Day and for more information, visit: braveheartsday.com.au or call 1800 272 831.