White Balloon Day: Sept 9

Now in its 11th year, Bravehearts' annual White Balloon Day falls on Tuesday September 9, during National Child Protection Week. White Balloon Day's message is to 'Break the silence on child sexual assault'. Bravehearts advocate Ben Blackburn shares his story.

One in three girls and one in six boys will be the victim of sexual assault by the age of 18, and one in five children have been substantiated to assault. That's almost 50,000 innocent Australian children falling victim to this senseless crime every year. Often, it is people that are close to the victims that initiate this crime - people that the victims trusted. Because of this betrayal, many of these victims suffer in silence and are too scared to ask for help. This is why Bravehearts, Australia's leading child advocacy group exists - to break this silence.

Ben Blackburn is a survivor of child sexual assault and a proud Bravehearts supporter. He wanted to share his story and let other victims know that they are not alone. His story serves as the very reason why Australians should support victims of this horrible crime and not be afraid to speak out against those who commit these crimes. 

"My name is Ben Blackburn. I am one of the three victims of disgraced former New South Wales Government Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and convicted paedophile, Milton Orkopoulos, who in May 2008, was jailed for numerous child sex and drugs offences.

I was introduced to Milton Orkopoulos in November 2003 at an ALP Christmas party function at the home of the Federal Member for Shortland, Jill Hall. He had immediately sensed my keen interest in politics and took advantage of it. He gained my trust, just like he did with the other two victims, and later abused that trust for his own sexual gratification. On 14 March 2008 he was convicted by a jury and on 21 May 2008 he was sentenced to 13 years and 9 months in jail.

I know that my coming forward assisted the Police case against him by establishing a pattern of behaviour, which was 'mirror-like' in every case. During the trial, my family; my mum, dad and sister were extremely supportive and lifted my spirits. 

I had the chance to express, after he was convicted by a jury of his peers, exactly what effect Milton's actions had had on my life as I delivered my 'Victim Impact Statement' to Newcastle District Court. I was fighting back tears - it was the easily the toughest five minutes of my life, but I was determined to read it all out. I now work for the non-government organisation, Bravehearts, Australia's leading child protection advocate.

I am involved in community engagement activities and the organisation's education program "Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure!" - a 30 minute live performance, which empowers young children, from Kindergarten to Year 3, across public, Catholic and independent schools, with the basic messages of personal safety in an interactive, fun, safe and non-threatening format in a language which children can understand.

I feel privileged to be working amongst such a talented and dedicated group of people at Bravehearts. I feel confident about my future because I know that I have something to offer the world.

Bravehearts mission is simple. With one in five Australian children being sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday, we desperately want to see a drastic reduction in the incidence of child sexual assault and our education program "Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure!" can do it. It's been independently evaluated twice. We know it's working. We know its empowering with personal safety. Bravehearts believes in giving children the future they deserve."

Bravehearts is an organisation that provides professional therapeutic, support and advocacy services to survivors of child sexual assault. The organisation is also actively involved in public education, prevention, early intervention and research programs relating to child sexual assault. Since its inception in 1997, Bravehearts has changed the face of child protection in Australia, lifted awareness and protected children.

Most victims will never tell anyone about their traumatic experience. That's why we need your help to provide these children with support and empowerment to do just as we are asking them to do, break the silence.

By purchasing a Bravehearts White Balloon, you will show your support and help to raise funds to help those victims who have suffered in silence. You can purchase Bravehearts White Balloons from Blockbuster stores, Coffee Club stores and via Nutrimetics consultants nationally. See the White Balloon Day Website for full details http://www.whiteballoonday.com.au