Rangi Hirini: Death of Indigenous girl Annaliesse Ugle a reminder of the need to protect all children

For the past few weeks, I have been writing these opinion pieces providing a black lens on some issues. The views I have expressed are my own. I’m not a spokesperson for Indigenous Australians, including my own groups (or “tribes” as some may say). What I have been saying and will continue to say are my own views and opinions. I’m sure there may be some readers who are waiting to see if and what I would write about the tragic death of 11-year-old Annaliesse Ugle. Before addressing this issue, I want to state that I haven’t spoken to the family — and again I want to say I am speaking solely as an individual. First, I want to stress that child sexual abuse is not a black issue. It affects all children from all backgrounds. This week I’ve seen and heard a lot of commentary about Indigenous Australians being “silent” on this issue and I do understand where this idea comes from. I understand that people hear and see much uproar from the Indigenous community over issues such as deaths in custody, Australia Day and cultural appropriation — but on child sexual abuse it’s “not as loud”. I can’t give you an answer for the “silence” — I don’t feel that this is the case but I will say that I have seen many Indigenous Australians frustrated and heartbroken over the death of Annaliesse and think it is a turning point for the community. In the days after The West Australian revealed Annaliesse’s story, anger and disbelief about the State’s bail system became the topic of conversation. Although this is one element that we should be focusing on, I feel that we should also be educating children about their personal safety. Protective behaviours programs aim to prevent abuse, increase safety and reduce violence. Across the State, public school students of all ages are provided with a range of protective behaviour material. Lessons include identifying public and private body parts, safe and unsafe touch, using assertive behaviour and language, and being persistent in asking for help from a trusted adult. But these lessons shouldn’t stop at school — parents and guardians need to continue tackling this sensitive and tough topic. Annaliesse Ugle was let down by several systems. She did the right thing and spoke out. Her death will be a lesson for many people. But it shouldn’t have taken a mother burying her daughter for that to happen.