Port Mac Goss: Jenny Watts

BRAVEHEARTS Day is on Friday, 12 September, during National Child Protection Week.

Bravehearts is an Australian child protection organisation, solely dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.

Here in Port Macquarie, there is a very active committee headed by Jenny Watts.

Jenny and her wonderful group of volunteers are passionate about making a difference and raising awareness through education and training.
It is a privilege for Port Mac Goss to talk to Jenny about this great local organisation.

Jenny, what makes you so passionate about the work of Bravehearts?

What the victims go through absolutely horrifies me.  Most have ongoing issues for the rest of their lives. Difficulties with adult relationships, alcohol/drug dependency, suicidal tendencies and the list goes on. So while we need to treat the victims, the best target is prevention. This can only be done through education and this is the sole reason for our existence here on the Mid North Coast.

Back in the old days, this topic was rarely discussed. Why is it important to break the stigma?

The three “S’s” – secrecy, shame and silence – are the predator’s best tool. It is very important for victims to disclose to someone they trust but that person must believe them.  So often they don’t and that’s tragic. Awareness is growing but there is still so far to go. The more we talk about the issue in public gives the perpetrators less places to hide.

You have had some very high profile support from media personalities like Ray Hadley and local politicians, how valuable is their backing?

Ray was a great support to us here but also to Bravehearts as a whole and was an Ambassador for some years. We have had State and Federal members on our committee and at present we are lucky to have Rob Dwyer MP with us. Our Mayor is extremely supportive as was the previous mayor.

The committee is always looking for new ways to fund the cause, tell us about your next event?

In the past we’ve had race days, trivia nights, high teas and fashion parades etc. Our next event is “Trivia through the Decades”, covering the 80s, 90s and 2000s, at Port Macquarie Golf Club on Friday, 26 September. We would love people to come along and have some fun.

How do you use the money you raise?

All money raised is used to provide free child protection education in our schools and pre-schools. Last month we had the professional education team visit 11 schools and one pre-school. More than 1800 children were given skills on how to keep their bodies safe. This makes me very proud.

How can people or businesses get involved?

Our big dream is to have some corporate sponsors – that would be amazing and oh so welcome. Please contact me if anyone is eager to help, either by being on our committee or being an active volunteer. Even donating raffle/auction prizes is wonderful.

Contact jenny.watts2@iinet.net.au or 0411 807 367.

Jenny, congratulations on what you and your committee do. What message do you have for anyone who might need to talk to someone about these issues?

Please do not suffer in silence. Confide in someone you trust, for example a safe family member or a teacher.  Call Bravehearts Info and Support Line on 1800 272 831 for directions forward.