Business support attracts children’s protectors to city

John Van Klaveren
A SPONTANEOUS groundswell of support has established a Geelong chapter of an organisation fighting child sexual assault.
Bravehearts set up shop in the city after founder Hetty Johnson addressed a Geelong Business Club meeting.
“As a Geelong-born girl it makes me so proud to know that my home town cares so deeply about its children,” Ms Johnson said.
“Never before in my 14 years of public speaking have I ever received such a warm and motivated response to our call to protect children.”
Ms Johnson said Bravehearts Geelong would bring prevention and early intervention programs to the region.
“I’m bristling with excitement for the children and families of Geelong and brimming with admiration, appreciation and pride in the business community of Geelong who have so eagerly embraced the need to keep their children safe.
“Many thousands of your children will benefit from this amazing support. Take a bow Geelong.”
Incorporated in 1997, Bravehearts has forged a movement for change in how government, the judiciary and the wider community deal with child sexual assault.
Bravehearts works in specialist therapy, support, education and legislative reform.
Ms Johnson said Child Protection Council statistics showed 95 per cent of child sexual assault victims knew their attackers.
Only 10 per cent of offenders came to the attention of police and just one per cent were jailed, she said.
Former Grace McKellar manager Ross Synot has thrown his support behind the local chapter.
“Most child sex offenders will remain undetected and will continue to live and work in our communities without suspicion and will remain an invisible but real threat to our children,” Mr Synot said.
Mr Synot asked anyone seeking more information about Bravehearts to phone 5221 4257 or email ross@optusgeelong.com.au.