Heartfelt is a free, downloadable resource that brings together the voices of children who have experienced abuse and trauma. Through powerful stories of recovery and hope, it offers insight into their journeys and reminds us of the strength found in being heard, supported, and understood.

The suffering of abused children often is secret. They go unnoticed and unprotected. Abuse isolates and distances children from others who might be able to support them, look out for them, be their friends.

The Heart Felt collection is a unique opportunity for all of us to understand a little more about how child abuse affects and shapes the lives of children.

All the drawings in this book were created by children who have attended one of the specialist trauma counselling programs run by the Australian Childhood Foundation.

Many of the drawings in the Heart Felt collection are disturbing and distressing. Yet, there are also drawings that show the strength, courage and adaptability of children as they recover from the devastating impact of violence. Indeed, there are drawings that can inspire hope in all of us.

By reading this booklet, we believe that you cannot escape the heart felt plea from children themselves for us as a community to act together to stop child abuse.

All the children and their guardians who have created a drawing or piece of art have given the Australian Childhood Foundation their permission for it to be reproduced in this way. The children have asked only that, as a community, we take some time to understand and respect their experiences.