White Ballon Day is observed annually in Australia on 10th September during the National Child Protection Week.
This day is celebrated by a non-profit organization called Bravehearts. With the concentrated efforts of the community, Bravehearts hope to create surroundings where a child feels safe and happy and thus it is celebrated as as awareness Day regarding the issue of child sexual abuses which are happening in the country and the world.
During this day white balloons are used as a symbol by people to show their support for survival of child sexual abuses and also demands punishment for the criminals who commits child sexual assault.
| Event | Are You Okay Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 10, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | celebrated to increase support for those who have survived child sexual abuse |
| Observed by | Australia |
White Balloon Day History:
It all started with the case of child sexual assault which was reported in 1996 in Belgium. And this event made headlines and shocked all the people over the world and thus it created huge seriousness regarding the issue of child sexual abuse for the first time among the people.
And this event lead to creation of White Balloon Day that was started by Bravehearts. The first celebrations were symbolic of the issue of child sexual assault that occurred in Belgium in 1996. More than 300,000 people assembled with white balloons to express solidarity for the parents whose children were victims of sexual assault. And Bravehearts was founded in 1997 by Hetty Johnston after she found out about her young daughter’s sexual assault so this movement really got connected with the public.
They were protesting against a convicted culprit being released from prison. Bravehearts held its first official White Balloon Day in 1997. Since then, the white balloon has become a symbol of hope for survivors of child sexual assault, as well as a symbol that encourages children to speak out about their sexual assault to their parents or guardians.
And then the day also recognition by the authorities in 1999 when the Queensland Police acknowledged about the positive impact created by the White Balloon Day. This day also got in controversy in 2021 as people said that balloons are harmful for birds and that's why the symbol of the day must be changed however this year it is taking place as usual as last times with the use of white balloons.
White Balloon Day Significance:
The issue of child sexual abuse is not new to humanity it has been in practice from so long but in past there was very little cases those were reported otherwise mostly were sweeped under the carpet. But today we love in a modern and aware world so it is our responsibility to end this social evil.
The sad thing about child sexual abuses is also that it exposes the evil face of our society as most of the time the culprits in these cases are those who are close to the victims like relatives and teachers. And that's why it makes us wonder that are we really live in a safe environment or not? And who can be trusted in this world?
These are some very tough questions but also represents the reality of our world. Most of the child sexual abuses today happens at schools either by teachers or other people like school staff or sometimes by other students too. School is a place where we parents sends our children to learn and educate but if there are serious issues like this then which parent will feel safe to send their children at schools.
Close relatives or neighbors are also one of the most common culprits in these cases. So it raises a question to us that who can we really trust in our society. Or is there anyone who we can trust? So yeah this day tries to ask some very serious but important questions.
White Balloon Day Objectives:
This day aims to raise awareness regarding the child sexual abuses to the people especially those who are parents and also encourages parents to always look for their children and regularly checks on them to know that whether everything is right or not in their life as most children are too afraid to tell things like this or simply don't realize that they have been sexually assaulted.
Next thing the day tells the people to do is to never sweep such things under the carpet as sometimes people tries to hide things because of social image and whatever nonsense which is definitely wrong and foolish as you are letting a criminal go freely and so he will continue doing this to many victims in future too. So reporting is definitely required as offenders must be punished.
Atlast the day also demands justice from the authorities and courts as it is seen that many times the criminal gets away with avoiding punishment because of lack of evidence or ineffective proceedings by the authorities. So this day demands a fair punishment for the offenders to make this world a safer place for our children.
Most Searched FAQs on White Balloon Day:
1. When is White Balloon Day is observed?
White Balloon Day is observed annually on 10th September in Australia.
2. Why do we celebrate White Balloon Day?
White Balloon Day is an annual day to raise awareness about child sexual assault and give justice to survivors.
3. What does a white balloon stand for?
White balloons on White Balloon Day are used as a symbol of support for survivors of child sexual abuse.