Karen McNamara (Dobell, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today in New South Wales is acknowledged as the Day of Action Against Sexual Assault. The aim of this day is to commemorate both the victims and the survivors of sexual assault and to recognise the efforts and successes of those who work with the survivors. This day aims to draw attention to the continuing need for public education and support services in this unfortunately oversubscribed area.

Today in my electorate of Dobell the Central Coast Community Women's Health Centre is holding an event to raise awareness of this issue. The Central Coast women's health centre is a community-based organisation managed by women for women, and I am fortunate enough to represent it as their patron. This outstanding organisation works alongside and supports women of all ages, backgrounds and cultures and provides essential counselling and health services for women and children who have experienced sexual assault in their lives.

ABS data indicates that one in three girls and one in six boys in Australia will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18 and one in five women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. As representatives of the women in this country, we must all stand up and raise awareness of this issue by supporting organisations such as the Central Coast women's health centre. I am proud and honoured to be a patron of this centre and I commend them for their dedication to addressing this issue and for their provision of services and support in my electorate of Dobell.