How Children Are Affected By Adults Out Of Control Alcohol Consumption

Catherine Lawson, Jigsaw’s National Professional Consultant has been watching with interest and astonishment the debate surrounding ALAC’s new campaign, in the media this week.

Ms Lawson’s comments follow negative comments in the media about how ALAC’s campaign is supposedly using child abuse to get its messages across.

“I am astounded that there would have been negativity about these adverts. I think they are hard hitting and necessary in order to open our eyes ‘wide’ to the effects on how over-indulgence of alcohol in the presence of children has on their young lives. There is no middle ground when it comes to getting this message across.”

Ms Lawson adds; heavy drinking by the adults in their lives has a strong impact on the child.

Ms Lawson goes on to say; “These children are more likely than children in the general population to suffer a variety of physical, mental and emotional health problems. Children who live in a home where alcohol is being misused feel guilty and responsible for their parent's drinking problem. Children often have feelings of extreme anxiety at the first signs of a drink being poured or consumed. Children are often left to their own devices and are exposed to further abuse when there are out of control alcohol consumption, they are left vulnerable and without a support system, they are a target for physical and sexual abuse as seen on the ‘Once Were Warriors’ film.”

Ms Lawson applauds ALAC for developing this strong campaign.

“We must stop this pussy-footing around and tell it like it is, and these adverts do just that. Well done ALAC for taking the ‘safety of children in our country serious.”

ENDS

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