Speaking up: Ditto the Lion with St John’s Lutheran School students and staff this week.
By Michelle Herbison
ANTI-SEXUAL assault mascot Ditto the Lion visited St John’s Lutheran School to encourage distressed students to “speak up” this week.
The school is helping raise awareness and stop child sexual assault in the lead-up to Bravehearts’ White Balloon Day on September 7.
Bravehearts’ Hetty Johnston said “alarming” researched showed one in five children under 18 was sexually assaulted.
In 85 per cent of cases the victim was known to the child, she said.
“White Balloon Day is about encouraging kids to come forward and break the silence, while we raise the necessary funds to ensure vital support networks and programs can continue.”
Ms Johnston said White Balloon Day aimed to raise $500,000 through schools, day-care centres, businesses and associations registering events online.
“It can be as simple as tying a white balloon to your letterbox or as grand as hosting a fundraising function.”
Ms Johnston said event registration and ideas for community participation were available at www.whiteballoonday.com.au.
