It’s not something we normally talk about but that makes it worse.

All across the world – in every country and in every culture – child sexual abuse is not something people talk about. It is just too taboo.

But cultures are also different from one another, so the way to ‘open up the can of worms’ is also different. For example, some cultures stay silent because talking about it would harm the family’s name and reputation, and chances of a good marriage for all daughters in the family.

The problem with silence – no matter which culture you come from – is that the child remains vulnerable to re-victimisation. Over the long-term, they may suffer immense psychological harm including suicidality.

To not even have to face the burden of choice – ‘do I protect the family’s name or the child’s safety?’ – prevention is key. This, in turn, requires accurate knowledge about child sexual abuse.

The purpose of this website is to provide readers with information about a research project that aims to do just this – give various sectors of the Australian and world-wide community accurate information about child sexual abuse and cultures to help protect children from the risk of sexual harm.

It may not be usual practice to seek help from outside the family, but sometimes that is a safer place than home

Acknowledgment and Disclaimer: The use of the Griffith University video recording studio is acknowledged. The views expressed on this website are those of the researcher’s only; they do not reflect those of Griffith University.

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