National Child Protection Week 2013
National Child Protection Week is a national campaign held annually throughout Australia to raise awareness of child abuse prevention.
The objectives of the week are to raise the profile of all issues connected with child protection, including child abuse prevention, treatment, research, education, service provision and support for children, young people and families.
National Child Protection Week also aims to create an Australia-wide umbrella focus for child protection, allowing government and non-government agencies to present a cooperative and coordinated community oriented campaign.
When a child is abused, the physical and mental pain can last a lifetime. Sadly, according to the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) more than 30,000 Australian children are abused or neglected every year.
Victims of child abuse have an increased risk of depression and suicide, substance addiction, poor educational outcomes and antisocial or criminal behaviour.
Find out more on the NAPCAN website or Facebook page.