Keeping kids safe in Carnarvon: CFSS WA to launch educational children’s book for sexual abuse awareness

A former police officer in Carnarvon has written a children’s book coinciding with National Child Protection Week that educates local children on safety and how to address situations that put them at risk. Author Andrea Musulin, who also works for Carnarvon Family Support Services, is a former police officer and taught the Protective Behaviours Program to Carnarvon families between 2006 to 2014. During this time, Ms Musulin said she felt the materials wouldn’t resonate with some children, leading her to write a book designed to educate Carnarvon children about sexual abuse, or how to address situations that make them feel unsafe. “I recall presenting a 10-week personal safety program to (local primary school) students using the PBP on behalf of CFSS WA and the WA Police,” she said. “At the end of the last session, two young girls who were sisters walked to the police station rather than getting on the bus to disclose sexual abuse that was occurring in their home.” The children’s book, aimed at children aged between three and eight, will be launched at the National Child Protection Week event on Tuesday, September 5 at the Carnarvon Civic Centre on Camel Lane. Community Services Minister Sabine Winton is expected to be in attendance, as well as a representative from WA Police. Ms Musulin said it was important local children had access to an age-appropriate storybook written in Carnarvon, about Carnarvon specifically aimed at children in Carnarvon, and believed this book was a first of its kind in WA. “The story teaches children that they have the right to feel safe at all times and if they don’t feel safe they should tell a grown up they trust about it,” she said. This year’s Child Protection Week theme is “Every child in every community needs a fair go”. The initiative forms part of CFSS WA’s ongoing commitment to child safety and protection through the Department of Communities-funded Child Sexual Abuse Therapeutic Services. All children in Carnarvon will receive a free copy of the book.