Children's storybook launched to prevent child sexual abuse

Today the Australian Government has launched a children’s storybook which will help adults from all cultures and backgrounds have preventative conversations about child sexual abuse with children and young people.

Developed by Cultural Perspectives in collaboration with the National Office for Child Safety, ‘My superhero voice’ has been translated into 10 languages to provide culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia a safe and inclusive way for children to learn about personal safety.

The storybook is delivered as part of ‘One Talk at a Time’, Australia’s first national campaign aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. The $22.4 million ‘One Talk at a Time’ campaign is targeted at adults who play an active role in the lives of children and young people and encourages them to have ongoing, proactive and preventive conversations about child sexual abuse.

The Australian Government is committed to reducing the risk, extent and impact of child sexual abuse and related harms in Australia, and doing so in a way that meets the needs of the diverse Australian community.

Every child and young person has the right to safety, and it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent child sexual abuse.

The storybook demonstrates the importance of providing communities with tailored, accessible and in-languages approaches to child sexual abuse prevention.

A free e-book version of the storybook, as well as other resources to support adults to learn more about child sexual abuse and have preventative conversations, can be found at ChildSafety.gov.au.

The 'One Talk at a Time' campaign delivers on key measures under the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030. This Strategy provides a nationally coordinated, strategic framework to protect children and young people from sexual abuse and support victims and survivors.

Reading about child sexual abuse can bring up strong feelings. Support is available. For 24/7 support you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14; call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732; or 13YARN (13 92 76) for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis support. Bravehearts supports anyone seeking advice or help related to child sexual abuse, and is available Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. Blue Knot Foundation provides support and information to adult survivors of childhood trauma including child sexual abuse, their families and friends, and is available Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm. Visit ChildSafety.gov.au/get-support for a dedicated list of support services.