ADULTS Surviving Child Abuse is the name of a support group who have come to prominence during the McClellan Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
At their initiative, Monday, October 27 was nominated as “Blue Knot Day” as a way of raising national awareness in solidarity with the many adult survivors of childhood trauma.
Truth Justice and Healing Council chief executive officer Francis Sullivan called on all Catholic organisations around Australia to take part in Blue Knot Day 2014.
“This was a chance for Catholic parishes, congregations, social services, health, and education organisations across Australia to show their support for survivors of child sexual abuse,” Mr Sullivan said.
“This is not just about abuse that happened in the Catholic Church but about abuse that has happened anywhere.
“As a caring community, Blue Knot Day gives Catholics the perfect opportunity to make a very clear statement that we are responsible for ensuring the crimes and cover-ups of the past never happen again and that survivors are treated with justice and compassion.”
Whilst Blue Knot day was officially on the Monday, other activities were to continue through the week from October 27 to November 2.
ASCA president Dr Cathy Kezelman said the significance of this year’s Blue Knot Day was growing as the issue of child sexual abuse had never been more prominent.
“In the past few years, cases once hidden have finally come to light. We need to make sure that everyone knows recovery is possible and there are people who can help,” Dr Kezelman said.
This year Blue Knot Day focused its attention on the education and training urgently needed for health professionals and organisations working with survivors.
