Melbourne, Australia – The Australian Government has launched a children’s storybook, My Superhero Voice, designed to help adults from all cultures and backgrounds engage in preventive conversations about child sexual abuse with children and young people.
Developed by Cultural Perspectives in collaboration with the National Office for Child Safety, the storybook has been translated into ten languages to cater to Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This initiative provides a safe and inclusive way for children to learn about personal safety and empowers adults to address this sensitive topic.
The launch event included a Welcome to Country, a reading of the storybook during ‘Storytime,’ and a cultural performance that celebrated the diverse heritage embraced by the initiative. The official launch welcome address was delivered by The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP, Attorney-General, emphasising the importance of the storybook and its role in safeguarding children.
My Superhero Voice is part of the groundbreaking ‘One Talk at a Time’ campaign, Australia’s first national initiative aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. With a $22.4 million investment, the campaign targets adults who play active roles in the lives of children, encouraging them to have ongoing, proactive, and preventive conversations about child safety.
During the event, guest speaker Yvonne Sewankambo, author of My Superhero Voice, shared her inspiration behind the book, reflecting on her childhood fascination with superheroes.
“I was one of those kids emboldened by the exploits of my superheroes, donning their capes, lifting boulders, scaling fences with cat-like grace, running so fast that all people could see was the vehement trail left behind them,” Sewankambo said.
Her words captured the spirit of empowerment and courage that the storybook aims to inspire in young readers.
She spoke about ensuring the story would appeal to children of diverse communities, with the use of universal symbols and references.
In a statement, the Australian Government emphasised its commitment to reducing the risk, extent, and impact of child sexual abuse, highlighting that “Every child and young person has the right to safety, and it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent child sexual abuse.” This effort aims to meet the needs of Australia’s diverse communities by providing accessible, culturally tailored resources for child sexual abuse prevention.
The storybook and additional resources, including a free e-book version, are available at ChildSafety.gov.au, supporting adults in learning more about child sexual abuse and having preventive conversations with children.
The ‘One Talk at a Time’ campaign delivers on key measures under the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030, which provides a coordinated framework to protect children and young people and support survivors of abuse.
For more information and resources, visit ChildSafety.gov.au.
Support Services
Reading about child sexual abuse can bring up strong feelings. Support is available. For 24/7 support you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14; call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732; or 13YARN (13 92 76) for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis support.
Bravehearts supports anyone seeking advice or help related to child sexual abuse, and is available Monday-Friday 8:30am- 4:30pm. Blue Knot Foundation provides support and information to adult survivors of childhood trauma including child sexual abuse, their families and friends, and is available Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm.
