The Tasmanian Greens today applauded everyone involved in today’s demonstration against child abuse organised by the community organisation, Survivors Australia.
Greens Children spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP, who is also Chair of the House of Assembly Child Protection Committee, said it was inspirational to see members of the community coming together to speak out passionately on the issue of child protection.
Mr O’Halloran was unable to attend today’s Hobart rally but a statement was read out by the organisers on the Greens’ behalf.
“A large number of Tasmanians have felt anger and distress over recent events, and it’s understandable that many want to see tougher sentences for those convicted of child abuse crimes,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“Let us use this sorry situation, with all the devastation it causes its victims, be the start of a strong public debate about how we should be dealing with child abuse and, most importantly, how we can prevent it from happening.”
“Systemic child abuse is an on-going and shameful part of our past and our present. In Tasmania there were close to 20 000 notifications of abuse last year.”
“The personal, economic and social costs of child abuse are profound and long lasting. Child abuse is associated low self-esteem, high levels of addiction and substance abuse, suicide and self-harm and many other physical and mental ailments.”
“Unfortunately, when we get to the stage of sentencing, the worst of the damage is done. The abuse has already occurred, the victim has been victimised and having to focus on being a survivor as best they can.”
“Ending child abuse, in all its forms, will need a well-meshed series of services and resources. These include education of children and parents to promote knowledge, early identification of possible abuse, the resources to respond early, services to support victims and their families,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Children Spokesperson
