Francis Sullivan, CEO of the Catholic Church's Truth Justice and Healing Council, has called on all Catholic organisations around Australia to take part in Blue Knot Day 2014 in support of Australian adult survivors of childhood trauma.
"This is a chance for Catholic parishes, congregations, social services, health, and education organisations across Australia to show their support for survivors of child sexual abuse," Mr Sullivan said.
"Blue Knot Day, which is organised by the child sexual abuse support group, Adult Surviving Child Abuse (ASCA), is an important annual event that allows the whole community to stand together in support of the millions of adult survivors of childhood trauma.
"This is not just about abuse that happened in the Catholic Church but about abuse that has happened anywhere.
"But as a caring community, Blue Knot Day, gives Catholics the perfect opportunity to make a very clear statement that we are responsible for ensuring the crimes and cover-ups of the past never happen again and that survivors are treated with justice and compassion," Mr Sullivan said.
Blue Knot day is ASCA's national awareness day and will be held on Monday 27 October, 2014. Other activities will be held in the week from 27 October to 2 November.
Following the release of the Royal Commission's interim report in June, ASCA President, Dr Cathy Kezelman, said the significance of this year's Blue Knot Day is growing as the issue of child sexual abuse has never been more prominent.
"In the past few years, cases once hidden have finally come to light. We need to make sure that everyone knows recovery is possible and there are people who can help," Dr Kezelman said.
This year Blue Knot Day will focus its attention on the education and training urgently needed for health professionals and organisations working with survivors.
For more information on how the Catholic community can be part of Blue Knot Day go to:
http://www.asca.org.au/Portals/2/BlueKnotDay/BKD-pdfs/Information_Pack.pdf