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Childhood and Adult Education for Encouraging Respect and Preventing Abuse
By Sue Ellson
#ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021 #iwd #LetHerSpeak #LetUsSpeak #LookForListeners #UnmuteYourself #Respect #SelfEdit #Prevention
Support Services available at https://www.respect.gov.au/services/
Here in Australia, there has been a lot of recent discussion about childhood sexual abuse, inappropriate workplace behaviour, domestic violence and the consequential effects on our community, but particularly, of the effects on women.
Today, 8 March 2021 is International Women’s Day.
The Australian Government is releasing a campaign that talks about RESPECT with the motto of Stop it at the Start.
Quick disclaimer — I have never worked in this field or provided support to victims, but like many people, I have had personal exposure to this issue with both children and adults throughout my working life. All opinions are my own and have not been solicited.
Australian of the Year 2021, Grace Tam, gave an inspired presentation at the National Press Club in Canberra on 3 March 2021. What impressed me about her presentation and the answers she gave to the gathered journalists, was the focus she had on how we can move forward to prevent childhood sexual abuse, but many of her comments apply to all forms of abuse.
Like many other genuine advocates who have a lived experience, Grace recommends EDUCATION as a key strategy.
I would like to add my recommendations for the education component…and feel free to use and share whatever you like, wherever you like!
1. Terminology — Survivors and their loved ones
When mentioning victims or survivors, always include survivors and their loved ones in the narrative. This could be parents, friends, colleagues, whatever, but when a perpetrator commits a crime, these people suffer too.
2. Simple reminders for children and adults
The following is a list of statements that I would like to encourage all of us to learn and share.
