Letter to the Editor

December 22, 2007

From:

'Abuse Everywhere'

The Sexual Assault Support Service joins with the nation in condemning the abhorrent comments made by the judge and prosecutor in the case of the 10 year old aboriginal girl who was raped by nine males aged between 13 and 25.

Many 10 year old children still believe in father Christmas. No 10 year old child can give informed consent to sexual activity. How ever in Tasmania I have heard adults in authority describe a 10 year old girl as promiscuous and I am aware of many stories of abuse which would shock the community.

A national approach is needed to respond to child sexual abuses but this response should not be limited to aboriginal communities.

According to the Australian bureau of statistics only 12 to 15 percent of rapes are ever reported and even fewer reach court. Tasmania does not have a special investigative unit for child sexual assault. Most offences against children do not proceed through the courts and the perpetrator is never charged. Many sexual offences against children are not investigated. There are no programs for adolescent offenders.

The accepted statistics of one in six boys being sexually abused before they reach 18 years means that child sexual abuse is possibly the most unacknowledged health and justice issue facing our society not just indigenous communities.

Signed Di Calderbank - Sexual Assault Support Service