Statement from the Grace Tame Foundation Board

The Grace Tame Foundation was formed in 2021 to confront one of Australia’s most uncomfortable truths - the prevalence of child sexual abuse and to advocate for the systemic reforms survivors have long been denied.

We helped shift the national conversation by putting safeguarding children firmly in the public spotlight - even when it was uncomfortable or costly.

In just five years, the Foundation helped drive landmark legal reforms, push for the harmonisation of survivor identification laws across Australia, advocate for anti-grooming education, and support hundreds of survivors seeking justice. Thanks to our campaign efforts, every jurisdiction in Australia has stopped naming the crime of ‘persistent child sexual abuse’ as a “relationship.

None of this would have been possible without Grace’s fierce and uncompromising advocacy for survivors, and her determination to ensure the experiences of those harmed as children could no longer be ignored.

The work of confronting abuse and demanding accountability can lead to tough exchanges and difficult conversations. Change demands these difficult conversations.

The Foundation has reached a crossroads. Like many small advocacy organisations, sustaining long-term funding for this work has become increasingly challenging. After careful consideration, the Board has made the decision to close the Foundation, with the process to be finalised in the coming weeks.

While the Foundation itself will close, the mission it has championed will continue through the many survivors, advocates, and organisations working to protect children and drive reform.

We are deeply grateful to every survivor, advocate, supporter, and partner who stood with us. Because of you, the conversation around safeguarding children in Australia has changed. That work does not end here. Every member of the team is determined to continue advocating for survivors and working towards reform, each in their own way.

We also acknowledge and thank past and present staff, volunteers and Board members who have given their time, expertise and care to the Foundation. Their commitment has shaped this organisation and its impact in ways that will endure well beyond its closure.

If you are a survivor and need counselling or support, the services listed below may be able to assist. If you are in immediate danger, please dial 000.

SUPPORT LINES:

National: 1800 RESPECT, 1800 737 732

NSW: NSW Rape Crisis Centre 1800 424 017

QLD: Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120

VIC: Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292

SA: Yarrow Place (08) 8226 8787 or 1800 817 421 (outside Adelaide)

ACT: Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 02 6247 2525

WA: Sexual Assault Resource Centre 1800 199 888

NT: Ruby Gaea 08 8945 0155

TAS: Sexual Assault Support Service (south) 03 6231 0044 for the office (non-urgent) and 1800 697 877 (24hr crisis line) or Laurel House (north) 03 6334 2740