BRAVEHEARTS DAY CALLS ON FAMILIES TO TAKE ACTION FOR CHILDREN
Bravehearts
- Bravehearts Day returns on Friday 11 September 2026 during National Child Protection Week, serving as Australia's longest running campaign against child sexual abuse, with the rally cry *Together we CAN Fight Child Sexual Abuse*.
- Research from the 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study found that more than 1 in 4 Australians (28.5%) experienced sexual abuse in childhood, including more than 1 in 3 girls and almost 1 in 5 boys.
- Bravehearts CEO Alison Geale highlights that normalising personal safety conversations at home can help children build resilience, reduce vulnerability, and feel confident speaking up if something feels wrong.
- Funds raised support Bravehearts' education programmes, including Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure Program, as well as specialist counselling and crisis support services for survivors and families.
- On the day, Busy Bees Early Learning will match all donations, doubling community impact; individuals can register, donate, or access free resources at www.braveheartsday.com.au.
Bravehearts is calling on Australians to act this September, with Bravehearts Day returning on Friday 11 September 2026, to raise funds and awareness in the fight against child sexual abuse.
Held annually in National Child Protection Week, Bravehearts Day is Australia’s longest running campaign against child sexual abuse. With the 2026 rally cry Together we CAN Fight Child Sexual Abuse, Bravehearts urges communities, families, and workplaces to unite to support prevention, education, and counselling services that help protect children and support those impacted by child sexual abuse.
The scale of the problem is confronting: the 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study found that more than 1 in 4 Australians (28.5%) experienced sexual abuse in childhood - more than 1 in 3 girls and almost 1 in 5 boys. Bravehearts says these figures should end any assumption that this is a rare risk confined to strangers or a single setting.
Bravehearts CEO Alison Geale said a key element of preventing child sexual abuse can start with giving adults the confidence to have everyday conversations about personal safety and boundaries with the children in their lives.
“Child sexual abuse can be difficult to talk about, but it is far too important not to. Bravehearts Day is about turning awareness into action and giving families practical ways to have an influence. Parents and carers can play a critical role in helping children build resilience and reduce their vulnerability to sexual abuse.
“When personal safety conversations become a normal part of family life, children learn that they can ask questions, speak up and seek support when something doesn't feel right,” Ms Geale said.
“Bravehearts Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Program teaches children important skills, builds resilience and confidence and decreases vulnerability. Helping children navigate the world more safely.”
Funds raised through Bravehearts Day help deliver personal safety education and specialist counselling for those impacted by child sexual abuse.
On Friday 11 September 2026, Busy Bees Early Learning will match all donations to Bravehearts Day, doubling the impact of community support.
The fundraising impact is direct and life-changing:
- $24 teaches two children personal safety skills through Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure program.
- $75 provides a support call for a parent or survivor in crisis via Bravehearts’ national Information and Support Line 1800 272 831.
- $150 gives a child impacted by sexual abuse access to a trauma-informed counselling session.
“Every conversation, fundraiser and donation helps us reach more children and families with life changing education, counselling, and support services. Together, we can take action against child sexual abuse and help create a safer future for Australian children,” Ms Geale said.
To register, donate, or access free tools and resources, visit www.braveheartsday.com.au
About us:
Alison Geale is available for interviews, and there is also a Video News Release that can be accessed here: Bravehearts Day VNR.mp4
Contact details:
Marisa Lo - 0412 672 353
