The Catholic Church will throw its support behind a national campaign against child sexual assault for the first time. The church announced on Thursday that it would support Bravehearts' White Balloon Day campaign during Child Protection Week, September 5 to 12.
More than 1300 Catholic parishes and nearly 1700 Catholic schools around the country will display white balloons on Tuesday September 7 and Sunday, September 12, in a show of support for the protection of young people.
Bravehearts' founder Hetty Johnston said the group was proud to be working with the church.
"The Catholic Church's lead involvement in White Balloon Day marks publicly their active involvement in being part of changing the culture of silence around child sexual assault," she said in a statement.
"I am delighted to finally realise what has been a long term goal for the Bravehearts' organisation, and hope this signals a new way forward for all churches globally."
Sister Angela Ryan, of the Catholic Church National Committee for Professional Standards, said churches and schools were committed to raising awareness of and fighting against child abuse.
"We are happy to accept the invitation from Bravehearts to participate in this national campaign by flying white balloons outside our churches and schools during Child Protection Week," she said in a statement.
The Catholic Church will be joined by thousands of other schools and church groups.
SIC: SMH/AUS