Thousands of women and children are hurt by violence in the home every year. That abuse could be violent, sexual, emotional or financial. Kids are hurt because this family abuse can prevent them from growing up, going to school, getting jobs or becoming happy adults. Lilly is 14 years old and lives in regional NSW. She is a Youth Ambassador for Save the Children Australia.
These issues mean a great deal to me because I was a victim of incest. I know how frustrating it can be going through the courts to try and get justice or even protection.
It’s been impossible for me and my mum to get legal protection from the person who sexually abused me. The whole process was nothing short of awful. And I was only ten years old at the time and attempting to support my mother with her own domestic violence situation.
These women shared their experiences of sexual violence on Twitter. Post continues after video…
Since then I have been receiving treatment for anxiety and depression. It breaks my heart to think that other children have to be dragged through that same thing.
Top Comments
Lilly you are a champion. My hope is for any government to take his responsibility to properly fund safe houses, healing centres, proper CBT and for goodness sake we need to change the way victims are treated by the law. Many intellectually challenged kids cannot give evidence. Children in remote ares areas have no access to sexual assault or DVDs services. They suffer in silence. They can't get on a bus, or access a phone. Our children need better support. I am proud Save the Children have such a wonderful ambassador. Sending you big hugs Lilly.
You sound like a very brave young woman