Document 6443886

Transcription

Document 6443886

Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
Who is SNAICC?
SNAICC, the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, is the national peak body in Australia representing
the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
SNAICC was established in 1981 after the creation of such a body was proposed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people at The First Aboriginal Child Survival Seminar held in Melbourne in 1979. The organisation elected its first national
executive in 1982 and opened its office after receiving Federal Government funding support in 1983.
SNAICC’s founding members were the first Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agencies (AICCAs). These AICCAs were
established following a study trip to the United States by the late (Auntie) Mollie Dyer from the Victorian Aboriginal Legal
Service. Inspired by the success of native Americans in reducing the rate of child removal, and in particular the Yakima
Indian Nation, Mollie returned to Australia to establish the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, VACCA. Soon afterwards
the NSW Aboriginal Children’s Service was formed in Redfern and the South Australian AICCA in Adelaide. These
organisations became a model and source of inspiration for the establishment of similar agencies across Australia.
SNAICC now operates from a membership base of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-based child care
agencies, Multi-functional Aboriginal Children’s Services, family support services, foster care agencies, link-up services,
family reunification services, family group homes, community groups and voluntary associations, long-day-care child
care services, pre-schools, early childhood education services and services for children at risk. SNAICC also has an
extensive network of subscribing community groups, mostly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, but also non-Indigenous
community-based services and individuals with an interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children.
SNAICC is governed by a national executive of people drawn from our member organisations. SNAICC’s mission is to
provide a strong voice for our children and families. As a national peak body, SNAICC supports the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander children and families sector through promoting rights, need and aspirations of our children and families.
SNAICC:
•
recognises and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child rearing practices, family strengths and the many
diverse cultures to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to raise their children by strengthening the
capacity of their local family and children’s community based and controlled services;
•
supports and promotes the capacity development of services, programs and community initiatives working with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in the early childhood and family and children’s services
sector;
•
is committed to engaging with services, communities and other stakeholders in developing community based
strategies to understand, prevent and respond to family violence, child abuse and child neglect involving Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander children;
•
works with government, non-government and other stakeholders, in line with policy, to manage and coordinate a
range of projects and activities for the development, promotion and provision of resource materials and training, for
communities, services and organisations that work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children
For further information regarding membership, subscriptions to the quarterly SNAICC newsletter or access to any of
SNAICC’s resources contact:
SNAICC
Street Address
PO Box 1445 North Fitzroy, Victoria 3068
SNAICC
Ph: (03) 9489 8099
Suite 8, 1st Floor,
Fax: (03) 9489 8044
252-260 St Georges Road
Email: [email protected]
Fitzroy North 3068
Website: www.snaicc.org.au
Through Young
Black Eyes
A handbook to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children from the impact of family violence and child abuse
SECRETARIAT OF NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND ISLANDER CHILD CARE
THE NATIONAL PEAK BODY FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
© SNAICC FEBRUARY 2013
Credits
Through Young Black Eyes
A handbook to protect Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander children from the impact of family
violence and child abuse.
Published by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal
and Islander Child Care Inc. (SNAICC)
Suite 8, Level 1, 252–260 St. Georges Rd.,
North Fitzroy, Victoria 3068
PO Box 1445 North Fitzroy, Victoria 3068
2007 edition — Rosie Elliott. Funded through the
SNAICC Resource Service with funding from the
Early Childhood — Invest to Grow initiative by the
Australian Government under the Stronger Families and
Communities Strategy.
2013 edition — Melissa Brickell, Gareth Commins and
Lenora Thaker. Funded by the Australian Government
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services
and Indigenous Affairs.
Contributors:
National Children’s and Youth Law Centre
Ph: (03) 9489 8099
Fax: (03) 9489 8044
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Brian Butler
Website: www.snaicc.org.au
Nigel D’Souza
Yolanda Walker
Copyright © SNAICC 2013
Muriel Bamblett
Lisa Kambouris
SNAICC encourages people and organisations to
photocopy and share material from this handbook for the
purpose of raising awareness and educating individuals,
groups or communities about the issues covered in
this handbook. Graphics, photos and artwork from this
handbook are used exclusively by SNAICC and may not
be reproduced for any purposes other than SNAICC’s
purposes.
Liz Orr
Dawn Wallam
SNAICC staff: Julian Pocock, Nikki Butler, Tatiana
Doroshenko, Veronica Johns, Kathleen Pryor, Kim
Werner, Rebecca Boss, Giuseppe Stramandinoli and
Emma Sydenham.
Design, artwork and photography:
ISBN 978-1-921174-12-4
Disclaimer: All reasonable effort has been made to
check the accuracy of the information included in Through
Young Black Eyes. This has included direct contact and/
or web checks with each of the services listed prior to
publication. SNAICC recognises that details of services
and government agencies are constantly changing
and some errors or omissions should be expected.
Information on child welfare is intended as a guide only.
People or agencies that have concerns in relation to the
health, welfare and development of individual children
should seek further information and advice.
Research, writing, editing, funding
1991 edition — Through Black Eyes - Maryanne Sam.
Funded by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Commission.
2002 edition — Kenny Bedford. Funded by Partnerships
Against Domestic Violence.
2005 edition — Michele Moloney. Funded by the
Australian Government Department of Family and
Community Services.
Warning:
Design and lay-out:
Heather Hoare, Pixel City Digital Design
Front cover artwork:
Kahli Luttrell, Yorta Yorta
Children’s artwork:
Students of Thornbury State Primary School, Victoria
Other illustrations:
Adapted from Silent Screams...Can You Hear? by
Barbara Cummings 1989
PostScript Printing (03) 9431 3414
Photographs from Kenny Bedford, Hilary Veale, ICatching
Photography (Mary Lou Divilli and Maya Havilland) and
the SNAICC photographic collection. For 2013 edition:
SNAICC wishes to thank Anjee-lee Solomon, Graham
Caughley, Olive Cook, Julie Kemp, Lindy Williams, Andrea
Thomas, Miranda Borlini, Rebekah Francis, Kay Holohan,
Alison Wunungmurra and Dr Lyn Fasoli
The children in the photographs in the handbook are for
illustrative purposes only and are not intended to imply
the children depicted are in care of concern to a state
child welfare authority information on child welfare.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this publication may contain
images of people who have since passed away.
Contents
Foreword
v
Acknowledgements
vi
Using Through Young Black Eyes in your community
vii
Responding to child abuse and neglect — a national overview
viii
Section A: FAMILY VIOLENCE
1
Family violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
2
Family violence and domestic violence
3
Family violence and children: Truths and Facts
4
Forms of family violence
5
How does family violence affect children?
9
How do we identify children who may be survivors of family violence?
9
Helping the child who may be experiencing family violence
16
Information for families who may be working through a separation
18
Family Violence and Domestic Violence Protection Orders
21
Section B: CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
25
What is child abuse?
26
Forms of child abuse
27
What are the effects of child abuse and neglect?
30
How do we recognise child abuse and neglect?
31
What to do if we suspect or know of a child experiencing
abuse or neglect?
35
Section C: CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
39
What is child sexual abuse?
40
Important facts about child sexual abuse
42
How does child sexual abuse happen?
44
What are the effects of child sexual abuse?
48
How might we recognise child sexual abuse?
50
How should we respond to a suspected or known case of child sexual abuse?
53
T H RO U G H YO U N G B L ACK E Y E S 2 013
i
How can we help to prevent child sexual abuse?
56
Section D: REPORTING CHILD PROTECTION MATTERS
59
Child Protection Overview
60
Child protection intake processes
Diagram of the child protection process
Child protection statutory process
National definitions
Policy and practice differences in states and territories
Mandatory reporting of alleged child abuse or neglect
68
Background to mandatory reporting
Who is mandated to report?
Do I tell the family?
When must I make a report?
What must I report?
What are ‘reasonable grounds’?
What happens next?
What protection do I have?
Disclosure of notifier’s identity
Age of Consent
68
69
72
72
74
75
75
75
76
76
Aboriginal and Islander child and family welfare services
Development of Aboriginal and Islander child and family welfare services
The role of AICCAs today
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle
Section E: RESOURCES AND SERVICES
77
77
78
81
83
Reporting child abuse and family violence and family helplines
Aboriginal interpreting services
To report child abuse
Youth and family help lines and family crisis lines
85
85
85
86
Government services
90
Government departments responsible for protecting children
Commissioners and guardians for children
Services
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family and children’s services lead agencies
Family violence prevention legal services
Women’s legal services
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services
National services for information about child abuse and family violence
support and prevention
Additional resource, research, policy and advocacy services
Other child abuse and neglect prevention services
ii
61
62
63
64
66
90
92
93
93
94
94
98
100
102
104
Additional services
International organisations
Resources
106
107
108
Publications and handbooks
111
Educational videos and DVDs
112
Strengths-based resources
118
Parenting education programs
120
Recent reports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,
family violence and sexual assault
122
BIBLIOGRAPHY / REFERENCES
124
iii
iv
Foreword
Violence, child abuse and neglect are not unique to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Violence is not our way to deal with anger, frustration and despair stemming from generations of abuse and
violence inflicted upon our people through colonisation, dispossession and the removal of our children. This
is still a challenge we are confronting and responding to in order for our people to be strong, proud and safe.
In 1991, SNAICC produced Through Black Eyes, a national resource handbook to assist communities to
develop ways of talking positively and taking action on domestic violence. In 2002, SNAICC released Through
Young Black Eyes, focusing on the impact on children of family violence, child abuse and neglect. This was
updated in 2005, and 2007 and now in 2013. The handbook is a companion for workshop training materials
developed to assist communities to address family violence and abuse.
Over the years, we have seen many changes for contemplating refreshing Through Young Black Eyes. On
21 June 2007 the Australian Government undertook a radical intervention in the Northern Territory. SNAICC
expressed its doubts at the usefulness of this approach and advocated that governments must take action
with local Aboriginal communities, not impose actions on them.
SNAICC participated in the release of the Council of Australian Governments endorsed Framework for
Protecting Australia’s Children 2009–20. The framework seeks to include child safety and wellbeing,
broadening previous approaches to child protection targeting child abuse and neglect. An important principle
of the framework is the promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community involvement in our
children’s welfare, and the capacity building of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, to take
control of child protection in our communities. The original principle of Through Young Black Eyes, in creating
action around the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, has subsequently reaffirmed its
importance.
Whatever governments do, there are always actions local communities and services can take. Children at risk
of abuse can’t wait until governments get their approach right. Through Young Black Eyes is about what you
can do today, regardless of what others do. It is about taking action based on setting standards about what
is good for children and what is not, and it is about speaking up to protect children.
Strong families raising strong children will grow strong and safe communities. This is the lesson of our history
and the path to a better future. We must protect our children from the devastating impact of family violence
and abuse; and find ways to nurture them. The best way to do this is to confront abuse, uphold the rights of
children to grow up in an environment free from violence and abuse, and turn to — not against — each other
and heal those that have committed violence and abuse.
Children need to be proud of the people and culture around them; and proud of who they are. Confronting
family violence, child abuse and neglect with honesty and commitment will make our children proud, strong,
happy and safe. SNAICC hopes that this handbook assists in achieving these goals.
Sharron Williams
SNAICC Chairperson
v
Acknowledgements
The authors and SNAICC would like to pay tribute to the following organisations and individuals for their
contribution to the development of this handbook since 1991. Thank you.
Aborigines Advancement
League
Northland Secondary College
Khali Luttrell
Lyn Thorpe
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal
Women’s Legal Service
Cleonie Quayle
Office of Women’s Policy NT
Individuals who provided
advice or support:
Harry Blagg
Dianne Halloran
Leah Bromfield
Beth Guy
Jacqui Hancock
Steve Butler
Dianne Halloran
Pam Simmons
Malcom Gollan
Barbara Kelly
Winsome Matthews
Lorraine Patten
Simon Raynor
Prue Holzer
Amanda Theophanus
Jacinta Tobin
Maureen Watson
Meg Worby
Frank Yamma
Chloe Rings
Lenora Thaker
Australian Institute of Family
Studies
Central Australian Aboriginal
Media Association
Partnerships Against Domestic
Violence, Office of the Status
of Women
Central Australian Aboriginal
Congress Inc.
Paul Memmott and Associates
Sandy Taylor
Darebin Community Legal
Centre
Domestic Violence and Incest
Resource Centre
Helen McDonald
Ann Raouf
Domestic Violence Resource
Centre, Qld.
SNAICC members
Dawn Wallam
Muriel Bamblett – Victorian
ACCA
Connie Newcombe – Birrelee
MACS
Virginia Mayo – Central
Australian AICCA
Melissa Cavenett
ECPAT / Childwise
Education Centre Against
Violence
Melva Kennedy
Pat Smith
National Association for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and
Neglect
National Children’s and Youth
Law Centre
James McDougall
Marie Hennessy
Helen Burrows
Louis Schetzer
Jacqui Houston
National Child Protection
Clearinghouse
vi
Thornbury Primary School
Delta Vidler
Grant Hood
Torres News
Jaki Gothard
Hilary Veale
Victorian Aboriginal
Community Services
Association
Alf Bamblett
Tracy Williams
Victorian Aboriginal Education
Association Inc.
Victorian Aboriginal Youth
Sport and Recreation
Gavin Brown
Fiona Kennedy
Using Through Young Black Eyes in your community
For the purposes of the handbook ‘children’ refers to persons 0 to 18 years of age.
Previous editions of Through Young Black Eyes have proven to be a much needed and sought after resource.
Professionals and community groups have found it particularly useful for running community workshops
about:
1. What is family violence?
2. What is child abuse and neglect?
3. What is child sexual abuse?
4. Developing a child-safe community
5. Where to go to get information and support.
To assist communities and organisations to develop better ways to combat family violence and child abuse,
SNAICC has developed the Through Young Black Eyes Workshop Kit to help you run workshops around these
themes. This workshop kit includes:
1.
A Workshop Facilitators Guide — including how to plan, prepare, manage and run the workshops,
plus activity and information resources
2.
This Through Young Black Eyes Handbook — including contact information for services and state
and territory legislation
3.
Through Young Black Eyes — A Community Leaders Guide to help community leaders protect
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from family violence and child abuse
4.
Keep Your Family Safe — a pamphlet for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children
about family violence and child abuse
5.
Who Feels the Children’s Pain — a 20-minute film about children witnessing family violence by
Cape York RAATSIC Advisory Association and David Farmer (2002)
6.
Children See, Children Do — a one-minute film clip by NAPCAN (2007)
7.
Children Are Sacred — a NAPCAN and Tex Scuthorpe poster (2002)
8.
The Galah and the Boobunge — a NAPCAN and Tex Scuthorpe booklet (2004)
9.
8 Priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Families (SNAICC Poster) (2011)
10. Flier for resources produced by KAMSC and by RAATSIC
11. Information about SNAICC
12. A CD of most resources in this kit (including films, pro-formas to edit and PowerPoint
presentations).
This information is all available electronically through the SNAICC website or can be ordered in hardcopy
online at www.snaicc.org.au
We encourage you to use all the resources attached to Through Young Black Eyes to achieve safety for our
children.
vii
Responding to child abuse and neglect
A national overview
SNAICC has produced this handbook to assist families and communities to combat family violence, child
abuse and child neglect and to respond effectively where abuse and neglect may have occurred. However,
these issues cannot be fully dealt with at the local community level. At state, territory and national levels,
governments need to rethink the ways they respond to child abuse and neglect.
SNAICC has published various reports and briefing papers advising governments on what else needs to
be done to protect children from abuse and neglect, arguing over many years that high levels of poverty,
unemployment, substance abuse, family breakdown and inadequate housing contribute significantly to
child neglect and abuse.
SNAICC’s policy and advocacy work in this area has included:
Through Black Eyes — Responding to Domestic Violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Communities 1991 and 1992 — a handbook to assist workers in the field and community
leaders to identify and respond to family violence. Over 20,000 copies were distributed — Through
Black Eyes was one of the first publications to encourage communities to take responsibility for
family violence.
A National Action Plan for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities 1995
Prime Minister’s National Aboriginal Family Violence Roundtable July 2003
SNAICC attended the summit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders convened by the
Prime Minister to discuss the issue of domestic violence in our communities. The Prime Minister
indicated he wanted to: talk to those who are providing community leadership in addressing the
tragic consequences of the abuse of Indigenous women and children.
State of Denial — the Neglect and Abuse of Indigenous Children in the Northern Territory
2003
SNAICC researched and published State of Denial a comprehensive review of the Northern
Territory (NT) child protection system, which documented a systemic failure to respond to child
abuse and neglect. The report found that where abuse was reported, there was often no effective
response from child welfare authorities and that community-wide poverty, homelessness and dispossession severely limited the capacity of families to meet their children’s needs.
A Briefing to the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments published in 2006 and
2007 on the development of a national action plan and a national Indigenous children’s wellbeing
and development taskforce to prevent, and respond to, child abuse and neglect.
SNAICC’s Service Development, Cultural Respect and Service Access Policy (2008).
SNAICC released an Executive approved framework for tertiary child and family welfare, and outof-home care services, which is now endorsed by the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies
(ACWA) and AbSeC (NSW).
Working and Walking Together: Supporting Family Relationship Services to Work with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families and Organisations (2010)
SNAICC developed this resource to support non-Indigenous Family Relationship Services develop
culturally appropriate professional practices and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
viii
families. The resource provides ideas, information, tools,
practical tips and encouragement to assist non-Indigenous
organisations and their non-Indigenous staff to strengthen
their relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people and organisations.
Action around the Child Placement Principle (2011)
SNAICC undertook research and resource development
work in support of improving compliance with the Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle.
A submission and action around the Stronger Futures in
the NT legislative package (2012)
SNAICC submitted to the Senate Community Affairs
Legislation Committee on the Australian Government
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory legislative
package, introduced to Parliament on 23 November 2011.
SNAICC supports ongoing work to address community
disadvantage and argues that engagement in real
partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities includes commitment to connect with Elders,
other leaders, services and communities in the development
of the Stronger Futures Package.
Involvement in Opening Doors Through Partnerships
(2012)
SNAICC published a paper on developing genuine
partnerships between organisations that address Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander needs. The work highlights the
barriers for families in accessing services and recognises
two key approaches to increasing engagement: working
within a cultural competence framework; and engaging
in effective partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities and organisations.
SNAICC believes that recommendations from the above SNAICC reports
and from the Bringing them home report on the reform of child protection
laws and support for self-determination need to be implemented.
The underlying systemic causes of child abuse and neglect need to
be dealt with, as opposed to simply removing children where they
are at risk or the victims of abuse or neglect. Protecting children
— through placing them with other members of their Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander family — is at times both necessary and
appropriate, but it is not enough.
ix
Over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection
•
From 1999-2000 to 2009-10, the rate of children on care and protection orders increased for both
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and for non-Indigenous children in all states and territories (SCRGSP
2012). Some of this increase reflects changes in child protection policies, enquiries and practices in
jurisdictions. It could also reflect the increased public awareness of child abuse (AIHW 2012).
•
The rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care is over 9 times the rate
of other children (AIHW 2012). Almost 52 out of every 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children aged 0-17 were on care plans and protection orders at 30 June 2011, compared to 5.1 per
1000 for non-indigenous children (AIHW 2012).
•
70% of all female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners in New South Wales jails have
suffered from sexual abuse as children (NSW Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce 2006).
Factors contributing to the incidence of child abuse and neglect
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW 2012) the high rate of substantiated child
abuse and child neglect among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander is linked to the following:
•
poverty
•
low socio-economic status
•
differences in child-rearing practices
•
inter-generational effects of previous separations, and
•
low socio-economic status.
There is also an over-representation of children from sole-parent families in the child protection system in
both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and non-Indigenous families. These figures relate to the
child’s family make up at the time of an investigation, not the level of sole-parents who are investigated
(AIHW 2012). Sole-parent families are more likely to be financially stressed, live in poor housing and suffer
from isolation.
In Victoria, the Department of Human Services has recognised other factors in the disproportionate
representation of Aboriginal children abuse and neglect substantiations in the Aboriginal Cultural
Competence Framework 2008. From the Framework it is suggested that the system of child protection
and the placement protocols “may be overly interventionist” in engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander families. The cause of this concern is due to limited awareness by non-Aboriginal workers engaging
with culturally different groups, with dissimilar memories of the history of interventions on Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander families.
Additionally, the Victorian Framework acknowledges the “fear, distrust and/or antipathy” by Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander families towards child protection due to previous government policies. The Framework
describes the impact of this history affecting work engaging with families in “less-interventionist”
approaches.
x
There is also a lack of specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prevention services. Outside of the
service related issues, there is a larger young person population in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities which can act as a challenge to community care.
SNAICC recognises a range of other potential factors that lead to the high rate of substantiated child abuse
and neglect claims amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. These additional factors often
extend from economic disadvantage creating greater risk for family stress, abuse and neglect (Wesley
Mission 2009).
Mental health issues: A 2010 study on Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families in Western Australia found
a sequence of factors increase the risk of substantiated child maltreatment. The most significant factors
related to mental health, substance use and assault, and additionally, poverty. The report found the
high proportion of “mental health, substance use, and assault related admissions in Aboriginal families
represents the critical need for culturally appropriate services across Aboriginal communities” (O’Donnell et
al. 2010).
Racism: In research undertaken with 345 Aboriginal young people aged 16-20 in regional areas of the
northern Territory, it was found that the experience of racism was associated with anxiety, depression,
suicide risk and overall poor mental health. The significance of the survey with this age group is that racist
experiences increased susceptibility and exposure to health and welfare risk factors. This is an age when
many of the surveyed group are also becoming parents. Parenthood increased young people’s already
heightened vulnerability and the experience of racism from one generation to the next deeply effected
“educational, social and health outcomes” (Priest, et al. 2011). Within the report, the links are made between
decreased social and cultural wellbeing and those affected by racism.
Incarceration: It is estimated one in five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have a parent in
prison (VAcro 2011). A parent’s imprisonment can create issues for their children, leaving them vulnerable to
a whole range of risks. A parent’s arrest, trial and custodial sentence increases risks for children who may
already be affected by family violence, child abuse, substance abuse, mental health issues and housing
difficulties (ibid). Given the over-representation of children from sole parent families in child protection,
losing a parent to prison can have severe consequences for the whole family by increasing children’s
chances of a protective service intervention.
Gambling: The Report of the Northern Territory Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children
from Sexual Abuse (Wild & Anderson 2007) raised concerns from several Aboriginal communities about the
increased vulnerability of children encountering abuse and neglect, whose families were gambling regularly.
Gambling is situated alongside communities reporting other issues such as violence, abuse, substance
use and police troubles. This observation had been identified in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, regional and
non-regional communities (Stevens and Young, 2009).
Intergenerational trauma: the Stolen Generations
Under various government acts, children removed from their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
— the Stolen Generations — has resulted in intergenerational trauma (trauma passed from one generation
to the next) that continues to affect many families today. When a child is forcibly removed, the entire family
experiences immediate trauma. Those affected may include parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and
uncles, cousins and other members of the extended family. This trauma can affect the lives of many family
members indefinitely, and be passed on to the next generations. The policies and practice of Aboriginal
xi
and Torres Strait Islander child removal denied many individuals the opportunity to stay connected
to their family, culture, and community, or without a clear idea of their own identity. Another result of
intergenerational trauma is the impact upon one’s parenting ability. Individuals removed from their parents
and particularly those placed in institutionalised care, did not get to learn parenting and life skills from their
family members.
See Section A for further information on family violence and intergenerational trauma. See also: Healing in
Practice, SNAICC 2012.
In 1995, SNAICC was commissioned by the federal government to prepare a national plan for the
prevention of child abuse and neglect. SNAICC carried out consultations with Aboriginal communities in
rural, remote and urban areas following the preparation and distribution of a national discussion paper. A
separate plan was developed which focused on Torres Strait Islander communities.
These consultations identified issues which were seen by Aboriginal communities as contributing factors to
child abuse and neglect. These included:
•
breakdown of traditional Aboriginal society and loss of child rearing practices
•
deprivation of culture and loss of identity arising from previous generations of child removal from
families and forced relocation of communities
•
inadequate housing and housing facilities
•
alcohol and other substance abuse.
More specifically, the 1995 SNAICC National Action Plan states:
The relationship between poverty and the high incidence of child abuse and neglect was frequently
noted in consultations. Aboriginal children are more likely to experience an absence of a decent
standard of diet, clothing, housing and health care than is acceptable to the majority of Australians.
Aboriginal people experience high levels of unemployment, reduced participation rates in education
and recreation pursuits. Many parents are single, unemployed, living in crowded conditions and have
little access to formal child care.
Dispossession, racism, a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness and poverty are all stressors in
families with child abuse and neglect.
Responding to child abuse and child neglect without addressing the underlying causes offers no long-term
solution.
xii
In March 2009, the Council of Australian Governments endorsed the Framework for Protecting Australia’s
Children 2009–20, with a three-year action plan roll out. SNAICC is actively involved in the dialogue around
the framework and is a key partner in the Coalition of Organisations Committed to the Safety and Wellbeing
of Australia’s Children, and the Common Approach to Assessment, Referral and Support (CAARS) Project.
The aim of this framework is to provide a long-term approach to ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing.
SNAICC welcomes the latest three-year plan of the framework (2012–15), which has a specific focus on
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Distinguishing child abuse from child neglect
Child abuse is not the same as child neglect. Child abuse involves the willful and deliberate physical or
psychological harming of children. Child abuse is carried out by people who may have been victims of
abuse, separated from family and suffered great emotional trauma in their own lives.
Child neglect arises where parents and families, despite their best efforts, are unable to provide the basic
essentials for their children such as food, shelter, getting them to school or health services when required.
Child neglect is usually seen in families suffering from poverty, unemployment, poor housing and family
stress.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more likely to be in the child welfare system and
out-of-home care for reasons of child neglect rather than child abuse. Statistically, an Indigenous child who
has been removed from home is less likely to have been abused than a non-Indigenous child. (SCRGSP
2011).
While a vigilant focus on responding to child abuse must be maintained, equal emphasis needs to be
placed on providing the additional support required by families living in poverty to better care for their
children, rather than government authorities limiting their role to remove a children after abuse has
occurred.
xiii
Conclusion
An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child is over 9 times more likely to be on a care and protection order
than a non-Indigenous child (AIHW 2012). In 2009 mortality rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children were 1.6 to 3 times higher than non-Indigenous children. Despite significant drops in these rates,
an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child is 23 times more likely to be detained in the juvenile justice
system than a non-Indigenous child (SCRGSP 2011). These simple facts say a lot about what is, and is not,
happening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
With the framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009 – 2020, Australia is seeing the first nationwide
attempt to shift how children’s wellbeing is promoted. The framework attempts to move the concept of
protecting children from revolving around abuse and neglect, to include safety and wellbeing. Although the
framework is not singularly responding to the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children removed from their families for welfare related reasons, the Framework recognises the absolute
need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in our children’s welfare. A major aspect is the
capacity building emphasis for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations taking control of child
protection in our communities.
SNAICC is actively involved in dialogue with the government around the Framework, and SNAICC
considers that governments at all levels, including the Commonwealth, must continue to commit
to the most basic of policy objectives — to reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children in the care and protection system and to build Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community capacity to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our children.
For the past 30 years, pursuing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families has
been SNAICC’s core mission. There is still much to be done.
Children (0–17 years) on care and protection orders, 30 June 2010
Number of children
Rate per 1,000 children
State/territory
Ratio
Indigenous to
Non-Indigenous
Indigenous
NonIndigenous
Total
Indigenous
NonIndigenous
Total
4 555
10 132
14 689
64.4
6.5
9.0
10.0
948
5 549
6 515
62.4
4.6
5.3
13.7
Queensland
2 969
5 118
8 090
42.4
5.0
7.4
8.4
Western Australia
1 525
1 906
3 432
49.1
3.8
6.4
13.0
South Australia
631
1 877
2 543
50.1
5.5
7.1
9.2
Tasmania
157
955
1 112
18.9
8.6
9.4
2.2
Australian Capital Territory
159
492
653
82.5
6.3
8.2
13.0
Northern Territory
507
186
696
18.6
5.2
11.1
3.6
11 451
26 215
37 730
48.3
5.4
7.4
9.0
New South Wales
Victoria
Australia
Totals include children for whom Indigenous status was not stated. Rates of children on care and protection orders
were calculated as the number of children aged 0–17 years (including those whose age was not stated) who were on a
care and protection order at 30 June, divided by the estimated population aged 0–17 years at 31 March.
From: SCRGSP (Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision) 2011, Overcoming Indigenous
Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2011, Productivity Commission, Canberra.
xiv
what is family violence? forms of family violence. how
does violence
impact on our children? fam- section
SECTION A
ily violence
children - myths, lies, truth
familyand
violence
and facts. how do we identify children who
may be victims of family violence? how can
we help heal children who may be victims of famil
violence? information for families who may be working
through a sepa what is family violence? forms of famil
violence. how does violence impact on our children
family violence and children - myths, lies, truth and
facts. how do we identify children who may be victim
of family violence? how can we help heal children who
may be victims of family violence? information for fam
ilies who may be working through a separation. wha
is family violence? forms of family violence. how doe
violence impact on our children? family violence and
children - myths, lies, truth and facts. how do we iden
tify children who may be victims of family violence
how can we help heal children who may be victims o
family violence? information for families who may b
working through a separation what is family violence
forms of family violence. how does violence impac
on our children? family violence and children - myths
lies, truth and facts. how do we identify children who
may be victims of family violence? how can we help
family violence
A
1
SECTION A
family violence
Family violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities
Family violence
and child abuse
happens in all
communities,
in every
socio-economic,
cultural, class and
religious group.
“The Bringing them home report notes that somewhere between 1 in 3 and 1
in 10 Aboriginal children had been separated from their families between 1910
and 1970… This forced removal, separation and dislocation continues to have an
enduring impact on Aboriginal People today. It is the consequences of this historical
trauma that continues to impact on generation after generation (intergenerational
trauma) and is seen in the high rates of difficulty facing Indigenous people, in
mental health difficulties, drug and alcohol abuse, family violence and child abuse
and neglect. Whilst the child who was forcibly removed and separated from family,
Community and their Aboriginality has been shown to have increased emotional
and behavioural difficulties, this separation also had a devastating impact on the
health and wellbeing of subsequent generations.”
From Yarning Up on Trauma (Coade, Downey and McClung 2008)
Some of the violence we see in communities today can be linked back to the forced
removal of people into camps or missions, repression of traditional kinship relations
and cultural practices and past governments’ mis-management of various groups of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Land and spiritual dispossession, which
included the breaking down of language, culture, social and economic structures;
interrupted traditional ways of raising children and caring for communities.
Children and young people have, however, thrived where traditional values offering
positive parent role modelling and ways of bringing up children has endured. (SNAICC
2011)
2
SECTION A
family violence
Family violence and domestic violence
Increasingly, the term family violence is being used in place of domestic violence. The
difference between these related terms may be unclear, but it is important to distinguish
the difference between the two.
Domestic violence generally refers to violent or abusive behaviour between two people
in a relationship, including spouses, defactos and same-sex couples. It describes the
strategies used by an offender (usually male) to exercise power and control over their
partner through threats, violence, abuse and other intimidating ways.
It has only been recently that we have recognised that the impact of domestic violence
can also extend beyond a ‘couple’s’ relationship to other members of a family, household
or community — especially children.
A child’s exposure
to parental
violence can
lead to similar
reactions as a
child experiencing
abuse
(Sousa et al 2011)
For this reason the broader term ‘family violence’ is being used. It is also preferred
because it takes into account the diversity and complexity of kinship ties in Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Family violence includes inter-generational violence and abuse and recognises all
victims, whether they are affected directly or indirectly. Abused family members and
survivors of family violence can include parents, uncles, aunties, (step) children, (step)
siblings, cousins, grandparents, in-laws and distant relatives. An individual can be both a
perpetrator and a victim at the same time in a family situation.
This handbook uses the term family violence when referring to the actions and harm
caused when an individual tries, by physical and/or psychological means, to dominate
or control another family member. It also encompasses any harm that may extend to
additional members of the family.
3
SECTION A
family violence
Family violence and children: truths and facts
Some of the truths and facts about family violence:
Witnessing family
violence and
living in a setting
where violence
is apparent can
have a significant
traumatic effect
on children.
•
It happens in all communities, at all levels of society.
•
It can seriously harm children physically and emotionally.
•
It can impact on infants and babies.
•
Children are affected, even if they don’t see the violence.
•
It prevents children from feeling safe.
•
It can interfere with a child’s development and education.
•
It can affect a child’s relationships with other people.
•
It can give children nightmares, headaches, stomach pains and regular
sickness.
•
It damages a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
•
Children often believe it’s their fault.
•
It can lead to substance abuse in children.
•
Children learn how to behave from family role models.
•
Talking about the problem with children can help them.
•
It does affect children.
•
Effects on a child are reversible with the right help and support.
•
It can affect babies.
•
There are services that can help children and families.
•
The children will not necessarily forget about family violence.
•
The children are not too young to forget about family violence.
•
Children affected by family violence will not always ‘bounce back’,
or, ‘get over it’.
•
Talking to the children about family violence will help them understand it.
•
Affection and buying the children treats will not make up for the violence.
•
Even if the abusive person is good to the child at other times, it does not ‘make
up for it’, or mean that the children will be okay.
4
•
Even if children are not hit, it can still affect them.
•
It affects their education and development.
•
It will not teach them to be ‘strong and tough’.
•
Life can still be difficult when you are a child.
•
It is not ‘part of our culture’.
•
It is not normal and acceptable.
•
Violence is not a way to show love.
SECTION A
family violence
Forms of family violence
Family violence happens in a number of ways and involves many types of behaviours.
These behaviours are usually grouped into the following categories, which may overlap:
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Social abuse
Verbal abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse
Elder abuse
Economic abuse
Spiritual or cultural abuse
Children are affected by family violence when it happens to them or around them. Most
of the following examples of family violence have long lasting effects and are against the
law.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse includes directly assaulting a person, their child, pet or property and
includes the use of weapons and reckless behaviour. Related examples include:
•
hitting, shoving, fighting, threatening
•
pushing, slapping, punching, biting, kicking, choking, inflicting burns, hair
pulling, shaking
•
using a weapon, for example, spearing, flogging with a stick, belting, stoning
•
destroying property or possessions, for example, clothes, personal items,
furniture
•
abusing, threatening or being cruel to pets, including in front of family members
•
dangerous driving of vehicles and boats that frightens or endangers others
•
locking people out of the house
•
overworking someone or keeping them from getting enough sleep
•
self injury.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse includes any kind of forced sex or making someone feel degraded through
sexual acts. (See Section C, for more on child sexual abuse). The following are examples
of sexual abuse:
•
trying to force or demand someone to have sex or take part in sexual acts
against their will
•
actually forcing someone to have sex against their will (this is rape and is also a
crime between married couples)
•
using an object, penis or other part of the body to penetrate vagina, mouth or
anus without permission or consent
•
injuring sexual organs
5
SECTION A
family violence
•
hurting someone during sex
•
forcing someone to have unsafe sex, ie. without protection against pregnancy
or sexually transmitted diseases
•
forcing someone to take their clothes off or to remain naked against their will
•
being made to pose for pornography, for example, photos, videos or in front of
others
•
being made to look at pornographic photos or view other pornographic
materials including videos and internet sites
•
being forced to watch, observe or take part in sexual activities, voyeurism and
exhibitionism
•
criticising sexuality or using sexually degrading comments or names
•
sexual harassment.
Verbal abuse
Verbal abuse is the use of put-downs which can occur in public, private or in front of
friends or family. The abuser may constantly insult your intelligence, sexuality, body
image and capacity or worth as a person, parent, partner or member of the family or
community. Verbal abuse includes:
•
personal put-downs, constant criticising, name calling
•
threats to harm or kill you, another person, children, relative, pet or themselves
•
threats to destroy property or possessions
•
harassment
•
exposure to verbal abuse and fighting between other family members.
Verbal abuse is closely related to psychological or emotional abuse.
Emotional and psychological abuse
Emotional and psychological abuse seem similar but are different levels of abuse (James
and MacKinnon 2010).
Emotional abuse involves verbal abuse, and aims to punish and to harm the other
person. Types of emotional abuse are:
6
•
volatile eruptions of anger, or ‘rages’
•
damaging the reputation of a family member by attacking their character or
dignity
•
threatening to, or actually abandoning a family member
•
stopping the person from seeing their family members/community
•
ignoring the other person
•
refusing their needs and discrediting their feelings.
SECTION A
family violence
Emotional abuse and verbal abuse can take place over an extended period of time: over
weeks, months and years (James and Mackinnon 2010).
Psychological abuse is also an experience that happens over time. While emotional abuse
aims at control and hurt, psychological abuse aims to be even more destructive in trying
to be in command of the other person and control their sense of self. The person being
attacked comes to blame themselves for what is happening. This may prevent them from
seeking help or breaking the cycle of abuse they are experiencing. Psychological abuse
can make a person feel that they are the problem in a relationship or family.
Psychological abuse involves any of the following:
•
deception
•
manipulation
•
trickery
•
intimidation and threats affecting a person’s self esteem and independence
•
humiliation and shaming aimed at lowering confidence
•
labelling the person, often with a repeated name such as crazy, or worthless
•
constant comparisons with other people (James and MacKinnon 2010).
All members of
a family and
community
have a right
to feel safe
from family
violence.
Spiritual or cultural abuse
Spiritual or cultural abuse is about using power and control to deny a partner or family
member their human, cultural or spiritual rights and needs. This form of abuse may also
include the misuse of culture or religion as a reason for family violence. Another example
is to run down a person in because of their cultural background or religious preference
or practices. Further examples include:
•
denying access to cultural land, sites, or family
•
denying access to cultural or spiritual ceremonies or rites
•
preventing religious observances or practises
•
forcing religious ways and practices against a person’s own beliefs
•
denying a person their cultural heritage.
Social abuse
Social control and isolation may also be used as a form of abuse. Examples of social
abuse of a family member may include:
•
not being allowed to contact, visit or see friends or family
•
not being allowed to plan or attend social events or move around socially
•
not being able to make telephone calls without permission or supervision
•
being prevented from learning or speaking English or other languages that
improve communication with others
•
having limited or no personal freedom
7
SECTION A
family violence
•
not being able to make or keep appointments, for example with a doctor,
without permission, supervision and/or in the presence of the abuser
•
having limited or no decision-making role in the family.
Economic abuse
Economic abuse involves the unequal control of money/finances in a relationship or
family. Examples include:
•
complete control of monies and income by offenders
•
preventing a family member from access to their own money or bank accounts
•
unrealistic expectations of spending patterns and budgeting
•
controlling how other family members spend their income
•
forcefully taking money from family members
•
threatening family members for money.
Elder abuse
The Council of Aboriginal Elders of South Australia, has identified the fundamental need
for Aboriginal communities to treat their Elders well in order to preserve Aboriginal
culture. Elder abuse is any harm inflicted on an older person by a relative or person in
a position of trust. Abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological, financial, social and
includes neglect. The council name a range of different experiences of elder abuse,
including
8
•
threatening Elders with violence
•
bashing an Elder
•
ripping them off by taking their food, money, medication or their possessions
•
sponging off Elders
•
threatening Elders that they will not see their grannies
•
cutting Elders off from their community support
•
starving Elders of food, money and every day needs (CAESA website 2012).
SECTION A
family violence
how does family violence affect children?
Family violence can affect all ages and members of a family. Children, regardless of
age, are affected if there is violence or abuse between their parents and or other family
members. Family violence may also result in separation between children and family,
which can also be traumatic for children. (Information for families and children who are
undergoing separation is discussed later in this section of the handbook).
Children caught up in family violence:
•
may be aware of family violence behaviour
•
are often present as witnesses
•
may try to intervene or seek help
•
may become targets of violence and abuse themselves.
Children who
witness family
violence have a
higher chance
of being abused
themselves.
(WHO 2002)
Where family violence takes place around children, they are at high risk of suffering one
or more forms of associated abuse:
•
As a direct victim of physical and emotional abuse:
In homes and communities where family violence takes place, there is a high
risk of children suffering physical and emotional abuse. In these settings there
is also often parent and child abuse.
•
As indirect victims of physical injury:
A child may be hurt when trying to protect another member of the family
(usually their mother) who is being threatened or attacked by an abuser. For
example they might be knocked to the ground or struck by a fist, weapon or
thrown object. It is not uncommon for a child that is being held or carried by
a mother at the time of an attack to be injured. Violence is often directed at
pregnant women.
•
As victims of psychological trauma:
Children who live with violent parent(s) or family members, even if they are not
physically abused, experience emotional and psychological trauma which may
be as damaging as the impact of physical abuse.
Even when the violence is not seen, children are generally aware that it is happening
around them through the obvious tension, fear and distress that they feel from their
parents and other family members.
Children can suffer pain, distress, fear and eventually anger from physical and emotional
blows inflicted by a family member on other loved ones.
How do we identify children who may be exposed to family violence?
Not all children will be affected by, or react to, family violence in the same way. The result
of family violence can play out in areas such as the child’s general health and wellbeing.
Young people may have many different ways of dealing with fear, anger, depression,
9
SECTION A
family violence
grief, shame, despair and distrust. Some, especially older children, may attempt to
intervene to assist or protect the primary victim (often their mother). Others may be
shocked into keeping silent by what they witness.
The way family violence affects children depends on a number of factors, including:
Adults exposed
to violence as
children fell into
two categories
in their attitudes
to violence —
those who were
considerably
more tolerant
than average
of relationship
violence, and
those who were
significantly less
tolerant.
•
the nature, degree and extent of family violence they are exposed to
•
the age of the victim, including age of onset/ceasing of family violence
•
the relationship the child has with the person/s abusing them and other people
experiencing abuse
•
the predictability of the violence and abuse
•
the amount of support or intervention they receive within the family when the
violence and abuse is exposed
•
the personal resilience of the survivor. (Lamont, 2010)
The effects of family violence on a child can vary according to the stage of their
development. The following guide is a reflection of these differences.
Infants may possibly:
•
show signs of poor health and development including low body weight, slow
learning in gaining mobility and communication skills
•
have bad sleeping patterns
•
cry, scream, throw ‘tantrums’ and appear more distressed that normal, or in a
way that does not respond to soothing
•
be reactive to their environment, such as showing fear towards people and
distress at loud noises
•
refuse to eat or withdraw from feeding
•
be particularly affected by emotional deprivation, and may not make eye
contact go to adults for help (Berry Street and Women’s Health West 2003,
DHS 2012)
(Richards 2011)
Toddlers may possibly:
10
•
demonstrate signs also present in infants
•
suffer distress, fear and anxiety when witnessing family violence
•
suffer from frequent illness, in reaction to stress, eating difficulties or lack of
sleep
•
experience behavioral traits such as severe shyness, low self-esteem, trouble
in day care or anxious when not with carers
•
seek support in loved ones
•
be more likely to have behaviours leading to social problems such as hitting,
biting, hair-pulling or being argumentative
SECTION A
family violence
•
play sexual games with toys or in touching (Berry Street and Women’s Health
West 2003, DHS 2012)
Preschoolers may possibly:
•
believe that everything revolves around them and is caused by them and
therefore blame themselves for the violence and abuse they witness
•
react in different ways, for example withdraw and find it difficult to share; some
may display distress openly, others may hide it; many experience strong mixed
feelings or show more physical and verbal aggression
•
experience difficulties sleeping, including bed-wetting and distress at night
•
lose gained communication skills, dexterity, eating and going to the toilet, or
unusual soiling
•
play games that involving imitations of violence and abuse
•
have a loss of energy and withdrawal from play with other children
•
discuss sex in a way more appropriate to adults (Berry Street and Women’s
Health West 2003, DHS 2012)
Primary school children may possibly:
•
begin to learn that violence is an appropriate way of resolving conflict in human
relationships, and may experiment with violence
•
complain regularly about not feeling well, or fall into illness often with stomach
cramps and headaches, tiredness and talk of nightmares
•
have difficulty with school work and using new words, and be antagonistic with
teachers
•
experience common symptoms: difficulty in concentrating, fighting with peers,
rebellious behaviour, anxiety and withdrawal
•
have the highest clinical levels of depression and aggression (girls especially)
•
intensively seek help from adults, or ask for very little engagement
•
lose the ability to soothe themselves
•
find it hard to express feelings and emotions, with low trust levels, and isolation
from friends or social activities, or activities they previously enjoyed
•
be cruel to animals.(Berry Street and Women’s Health West 2003, DHS 2012)
Adolescents may possibly:
•
See family violence as their parents’ or family’s problem — not theirs
•
Access social networks outside the family but may find it difficult to maintain
friends
•
regard the victim in a family violence situation as being responsible
•
have their adolescent development and future adult behaviour negatively affected
11
SECTION A
family violence
•
show signs of violence or abuse as a way of resolving conflict with partners
(especially young men towards partners), or may be submissive or accepting of
violence or abuse in a relationship (young women especially)
•
experience eating disorders, drug, alcohol or substance abuse, homelessness,
self-harm and suicide
•
develop depression (girls especially)
•
show aggressive behaviour, sometimes assaulting mother and/or other family
members (boys especially), acting out behaviour they have seen growing up
•
be prone to violent delinquency, severe marital violence, potential child abuse
and increased psychological distress
•
skip school, sporting commitments and family events
•
run away from home
•
be easily startled, unable to relax and experience insomnia, or withdrawal into
deep long sleeps
•
express a sense of powerlessness (Berry Street and Women’s Health West
2003, DHS 2012)
Adapted from: James 1994, Berry Street and Women’s Health West 2003, and DHS
Child Development and Trauma Kit 2012)
According to Hurst (1998), children can still be affected even if they show no outward
signs of the violence happening to or around them.
Hurst’s research also reveals the following about the effects of abuse/violence on
children:
•
The longer it has gone on, the greater the effect
•
The more extreme the violence/abuse, the greater the effect
•
The more they have seen and heard, the greater the effect
•
The experience of multiple types of violence and abuse, the greater the effect
•
The younger they are when they are exposed to a violent/abusive climate, the
greater the effect
•
The sooner the violence/abuse stops, the sooner they can begin to recover.
Hurst 1998, see also Lamont 2010, Parenting SA — Parenting Easy Guide ‘Child Abuse’ #62
If a child grows up in a climate of family violence, their health and development suffers.
It can affect how they feel about themselves, how they feel and respond to other people
and their ability to form healthy relationships in later life.
12
SECTION A
family violence
How and why exposure to family violence affects a child:
• Family violence keeps children from feeling safe
Because children know the person abusing them, a child not only loses the
sense that their family is safe but also views the world around them as unsafe,
which can affect all of their relationships.
• Children see and therefore learn poor behaviour from their role models
When parents and other family role models are in a violent relationship, the
children in the family may start identifying with the aggressive nature of the
person abusing or with vulnerable feelings of the person being abused. Children
may then continue the cycle of violence by becoming victims or perpertrators of
violent behaviour.
• Children learn to use aggression as the main way to solve problems
Family violence teaches children to handle problems in a negative way. They
may adopt these methods themselves to achieve what they want. This way of
relating to others can interfere with the development of strong friendships and
healthy relationships.
• Children may become fearful and withdrawn
This may occur because they view the world around them as a hostile place
and they want to avoid drawing attention to themselves. This may lead to
further victimisation and bullying by other children at home, at school or in the
community because they are too scared to assert or defend themselves.
• Children often blame themselves for causing a parent’s anger/violent
behaviour or for the harm caused to the person being abused
Young children are not mature enough to understand a family violence situation
and it is easy for them to become confused and feel responsible for the incidents
that result in violence. They are likely to feel bad, worthless and sad as a result.
Why be stupid and fight?
You know it’s not right
Why do families fight?
They should do it out of sight
So their children don’t see it
As it can hurt and damage them for life
Drinking alcohol and smoking pot
Can often start violence a lot
Stop violence as it can affect your future
Violence, it doesn’t suit ya
So stop violence because we don’t need it!
Amanda Theophanous, aged 14
13
SECTION A
family violence
• Children may blame themselves for not being able to stop or prevent the
family violence
Older children may feel helpless to prevent attacks of family violence and
ashamed by their inability to intervene, even though they badly want to. This
can make them feel anxious, angry, helpless and ashamed.
• Children may ‘switch off’ to help protect themselves from emotional
trauma
They learn not to feel and not to empathise as a way of coping with life in
an environment of arguing and fighting. This may also lead to poor personal
development and difficulties in forming friendships and relationships with other
people.
• It increases the risk of suicide
There is widespread concern in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community of the links between abuse and suicide. In Queensland government
research, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth were almost three times
as likely to experience childhood abuse compared with other youth. In the
study of youth suicide from 2004–7, 44% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander youth had some contact with the department of communities child
Safety Services within three years before their suicide. In the same period of
time, 5% of non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the study were
known to the department (rySQ 2009). (For more information about suicide,
go to the list of resources towards the back of this book, or contact your local
community support or family medical services.)
• Children may suffer from post-traumatic stress
Exposure to family violence and experiences of abuse can lead to children
expressing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Depending on
the family situation and the types of abuse or violence the young person
experiences, the response to violence can, for example, be a preoccupation
with safety and security for themselves and the rest of the family. Children in
this situation may also overestimate ongoing dangers and may feel at risk even
in moments they are actually safe. Children are aware of their worries. Some
try to hide these away, and this can lead to children struggling to take on new
information and appearing slow to understand what is happening around them.
Other children may appear overly vigilant and come across as nervy and easily
scared. Some children with post-traumatic stress disorder may carry these
‘responses’ into adolescence and adulthood (Margolin and Vickerman 2007).
• Children may not be getting the care they need from parents or family
When adults are traumatised by violence they may be less able to support others
and help their children to come to terms with what is happening around them.
14
SECTION A
family violence
DON’T BASH THE LOVING OUT OF ME
The party’s over and I sit here waiting
for you to come through that door
My guts are all twisted up inside
and I’ll go through it all once more
If there’s any female Gods up there,
why can’t they make you see
You’re bashing your head against the brick wall
Bashing the loving out of me
The good times don’t make up for the bad
In the beginning I thought they could
Sure, we had our fights and arguments
But the making up was good
Life was a game, till the babies came,
More pressure and jealousy
While you lash out your emotions
You bash the loving out of me
You cry to me after, and swear you’ll change
And you beg me not to leave you
But it builds up and then I go through it again
So how can I believe you
I turn away from the fear in my babies’ eyes
That everyone but you can see
You will kill a child’s pride in their daddy
And bash the loving out of me
Some people have to fight from the day we’re born
But it’s us women who are black and blue
It’s our love that gives us strength to carry on
Like the love I have for you
I live sick with fear of your rages
When the violence I dread will break through
Don’t ever think I’m not pushed to the brink
But I don’t bash the loving out of you
Deep wounds fester where you can’t see
Take them out of there, confront them
Don’t bash the loving out of me
You can imprison my body, my heart, and my head
Kill my spirit, or set it free
Don’t use emotional blackmail, your feet, or your fists
To bash the loving out of me
By Maureen Watson
15
SECTION A
family violence
Helping the child who may be experiencing
family violence
The effects of family violence on children can be very damaging, but these effects
are reversible if children and the family are able to get help. Children who have or
are experiencing family violence need support. The sooner they get help, the sooner
recovery can begin. Caring for children who have grown up in an environment of family
violence helps to stop the violence continuing into the next generation.
The following can assist with protecting children and creating a child safe community:
•
More than anything children need protection. If you think you know who may
be abusing the child, ensure the child is not left alone with them. Consider if
the child is safe and whether they need medical help.
•
Seek/provide information to assist the entire family who is in need of help,
including the abuser(s) in the situation.
•
If you are in a violent situation where children are involved, take a first step by
talking to someone you can trust — seek help. See Section E of this handbook
for support and crisis phone lines
•
If family violence affects a parent you know, such as a mum and her children,
can you offer them safety, or offer mum some time while you take the children?
•
Take children’s worries seriously. If a child is showing signs of experiencing
family violence listen, talk and ask them what is wrong. Sometimes young
people take time to talk, sometimes for many reasons children will not want to
talk about family violence.
•
Avoid quizzing too much as this might make the child feel as though you do not
believe, or might frighten them into staying silent.
“Kids aren’t affected by family
violence”
How many times have we heard it said
“Kids will always bounce back”
“They’ll get over it”
The fact is, kids are suffering enormously,
they feel hurt and are more likely to turn to
alcohol and other substance abuse. They are
running away from home, dropping out of
schools and being institutionalised.
(Sam, 1990)
16
SECTION A
family violence
•
Encourage children to talk or draw about their feelings especially the things
that might be worrying them. It helps young people if they can express
themselves openly about violence.
•
If a child does let you know about abuse, believe them and try not to panic.
This is important even if you feel as though you cannot, or do not want to,
believe what they are saying. You don’t need to push for the details of abuse.
•
Avoid making promises you cannot keep, such as promise that you will not tell
anyone about family violence.
•
Be careful about touch. Some children in this situation will respond adversely
to touch, even if it is your instinct to comfort them. Try to let them initiate
contact, and read their prompts.
•
Let the children know the family violence at home is not their fault. Let them
know that they are not the only survivor — other children have also had similar
experiences.
•
Children in this situation need ongoing love and support. They need to know
they are not alone and that people cherish them.
•
Encourage children to have a support network — there are other people who
care — such as Elders, relatives, health workers, teachers and counsellors.
•
You can discuss concerns about a child’s safety with services responsible for
keeping children safe.
•
Help children to make a ‘safety plan’, to identify safe places for them to go, such as
a family member, or a neighbour which is easy for them to remember and follow (see
handout 7 & 8 from the Through Young Black Eyes: Workshop Facliltators Guide).
Children who have experienced family violence will benefit from counselling and other
services designed to help them make sense of the feelings, emotions and confusion that
have built up inside them.
There are a number of options available to help children in your community, individually
or in groups with other children. Maybe your community has no specific services but
it can still act in ways to help children at a local level. If not, your local council, health
service and school may be good starting points.
Children can be assisted to come to terms with the effects of family violence if they:
•
realise they are not alone
•
identify and express painful feelings
•
understand that family violence is an adult problem and it’s not their fault
•
know that violence is unacceptable
•
learn ways to solve problems without violence
•
connect with positive adult role models
•
develop confidence and healthy self-esteem
•
grieve over losses that result from leaving home and community
•
develop the trust and security that has been missing in their lives
•
deal with the powerful mixed and confused feelings towards parents, especially
the family violence offender.
17
SECTION A
family violence
Does your community meet the needs of children who may need help? Check out
the resources available to help communities run their own community workshops
(See Through Young Black Eyes: Workshop Facilitators Guide) and contact some of
the organisations near you listed in Section E, Service directory in this handbook.
Information for families who may be working through
a separation
Family violence may result in a separation between parents or carers. This might include
time out with family, moving to another community or taking refuge in a shelter. It might
also be a final and definite separation from a violent situation.
If a separation happens where there are children involved, they need to be considered too.
The following points about working through a separation are adapted
from Dale Hurst (1998)
Separations in healthy relationships rarely happen without pain or grieving. When
it comes to a separation crisis point in a violent relationship, there may well be
bargaining, panic, anger and hurt — it can be a very traumatic time for both partners.
For this reason it can be a time of increased danger. It may be necessary for a
child or other family members not to have contact with a relative who is violent.
The point of separation can build up and intensify over a period of time — hour by hour,
day by day; sometimes it can take weeks, months or years. If adults involved in this
situation can be feeling low and out of control, the same is probably true for the children.
Separation may be the best thing for a child at the time, but it may also be overwhelming.
They may be wondering:
“What will happen to our family?”
“What will happen to me?”
“Do I have to make a choice between Mum and Dad?”
“Who will look after me?”
What children need at this point is as much safety and certainty as they can get from
parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or other supportive relatives.
Here are some useful options for mothers or carers of children who have separated or
are leaving a violent situation
18
•
seek counselling and support groups for yourself and your children
•
encourage your children to talk or draw about how they are feeling
•
seek parenting support
•
contact domestic violence and legal services
SECTION A
family violence
•
tell your children of your plans for the future
•
if you are leaving your home with your children, take favourite toys and some of
their familiar items
•
seek legal advice.
Family violence offenders also need support to:
•
Seek help with violent or offending behaviour.
•
Ensure the wellbeing, safety and security of their children, partners and other
family members when there is trouble in the home.
•
Sort out problems with spouses, partners or other family members without
involving the children.
•
Build and maintain healthy, respectful relationships with their children and
loved ones.
19
SECTION A
family violence
20
SECTION A
family violence
Family Violence and Domestic Violence Protection Orders
The following is a summary of state and territory laws regarding family and domestic
violence protection orders. Many of the states and territories have recognised the
importance of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander extended family networks. Please
check against current legislation in your respective state or territory.
New South Wales
Section 11 of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 includes a definition
of domestic violence that incorporates a range of offences such as violence, sexual
abuse and causing fear or mental harm committed by a person against another within
a domestic relationship. A domestic relationship extends to relatives, dependents,
spouses and an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander, who is “part of the extended
family or kin to the Indigenous kinship system of the person’s culture”. The Act gives
recourse for people to access means of protection via restrictions through: apprehended
domestic violence orders, apprehended personal violence orders, interim Court orders
and provisional orders.
Victoria
In Victoria, the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 defines family violence as behaviour
by a person towards a family member that includes physical, sexual, emotional or
psychologically abuse. Additionally the Act includes economic abuse, or threatening,
coercive, or in any other way controlling or dominating family members, causing them
to feel fear for the safety or wellbeing of that family member or another person. Family
violence includes behaviour by a person that causes a child to hear or witness, or
otherwise be exposed to the effects of family violence. The definition of a relative for
the Act extends to a person who, under Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander tradition or
contemporary social practice, is the person’s relative. The Act aims to provide protection
from family violence through police holding powers, family violence safety notices and
also family violence intervention orders.
Queensland
The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (section 8) features a definition
of domestic violence as behaviour by a person towards another, in a relationship, that
includes: physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and economic forms of abuse.
Domestic violence includes: threatening or causing injury to a person, coercing, or
attempting to coerce a person to engage in sexual activity, damaging or threatening a
person’s property, threatening or depriving a person of their liberty, threatening a person,
their family, or another significant person or animal with the death or injury. Additionally
threatening to commit suicide or self-harm so as to torment, intimidate or frighten the
person is abuse. As is unauthorised surveillance, stalking, or organising someone to
engage in behaviour that would be domestic violence.
The above behaviour does not have to be ‘proved beyond a reasonable doubt’ for a
Court to make a protection order under this Act. The Act recognises both children of an
aggrieved person, and children as the aggrieved person when considering protection
orders. The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act, section 14, includes a parent
21
SECTION A
family violence
of an Aboriginal child as a person who, under Aboriginal tradition, is regarded as a parent
of the child, and a parent of a Torres Strait Islander child includes a person who, under
Island custom, is regarded as a parent of the child.
Western Australia
Western Australia’s Restraining Orders Act 1997 identifies family and domestic
relationships between two people including: marriages, de facto partnerships, relations,
people in intimate or personal relationships, and children who ordinarily or regularly have
or do reside with the other person. A relation takes into consideration the cultural, social
or religious backgrounds of the two persons. An act of family and domestic violence
includes assaulting or causing personal injury, kidnapping or depriving the person of
their liberty, damaging the person’s property, including the injury or death of an animal
that is the person’s property. Also included is behaving in an ongoing manner that is
intimidating, offensive or emotionally abusive towards the person, pursuing the person
or a third person, or causing the person or a third person to be pursued with intent to
intimidate, or in a manner that could reasonably be expected to intimidate, and that does
in fact intimidate. Threatening to do any of the above also constitutes family or domestic
violence. A Court may make a restraining order in regard to one or more of the above acts
if abuse has been committed and if acts are considered likely to be committed again.
South Australia
South Australia has the Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009. This Act
features extended lists of forms of abuse, domestic and non-domestic, including
physical, emotional or psychological, economic, property and personal liberty-based
forms of abuse. Domestic abuse extends to: partners, intimate personal relationships,
children, siblings and relations according to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander kinship
rules. The aim of the Act is to minimise the disruption to protected persons and any child
living with a protected person and to maintain social connections and support for them,
including the stability and care of children. Intervention orders have no fixed timeline
and need to be revoked when appropriate. The forms of protection of an order delegate
forms of prohibition on actions and access to the defendant.
The Australian Capital Territory Domestic Violence and Protection Orders Act 2008
defines conduct that can be restrained through the protection of domestic violence
orders. This includes causing physical or personal injury, causing damage to the
property, making a threat to a relevant person, or to do with anything in relation to the
relevant person or another relevant person. Additionally it includes harassing, threatening
or being offensive towards a relevant person or their pet. A domestic partner for this
Act need not be an adult, and can include a relative, a child of a domestic partner or
former domestic partner, a parent of a child or someone who is or has been in a relevant
relationship with the original person. A relative includes a person the original person
has responsibility for, or an interest in, in accordance with the traditions and customs of
the original person’s Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community, a person who has
responsibility for, or an interest in, the original person in accordance with the traditions
and customs of the original person’s Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community, and
a person regarded and treated by the original person as a relative, for example, as an
22
SECTION A
family violence
uncle or aunt. A Court has the power based on the Act to make interim and protection
orders on behalf of and aggrieved person.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory’s Domestic Violence and Family Act 2007 defines domestic
violence as any of the following within a domestic relationship: conduct causing harm,
including sexual or other assault, damaging property, including the injury or death of an
animal, intimidation, stalking, economic abuse, and attempting or threatening to commit
conduct mentioned above. A domestic relationship includes a family relationship, custody
or guardianship or right of access to the other person, subject to custody, guardianship
or access to the other person, ordinarily or regularly living with the other person, or a
family relationship. Additionally, a domestic relationship is defined as between someone
who is or was in a relationship with the child of the other person, who is or has been in
an intimate relationship, and is, or has been in a carers relationship. A relative of a person
includes someone who, according to Aboriginal tradition or contemporary social practice,
is a relative of the person. A person can seek a Domestic Violence Order through this Act.
A Court will make an Order based on the satisfaction there are reasonable grounds for
the person to fear the commission of domestic violence against the defendant, including
if there are reasonable grounds to fear a child will be exposed to domestic violence by
or against a person the child is in a domestic relation with.
Tasmania
The Family Violence Act 2004 (Section 7) defines family violence as the following conduct,
whether committed directly or indirectly, against a spouse or partner: assault, including
sexual assault, threats, coercion, intimidation or verbal abuse, abduction, stalking
(within the meaning of section 192 of the Criminal Code), attempting or threatening to
commit conduct referred in the above, economic abuse, emotional abuse or intimidation,
contravening an external family violence order (from another state or territory), an interim
Family Violence Order, an Family Violence Order or a Police Family Violence Order.
A child can make an application to a Court for a Family Violence Order if the court is
satisfied that the child is capable of understanding the nature of the proceedings.
23
SECTION A
family violence
DREAMING TO NIGHTMARE
Violence is our big shame
But the word violence doesn’t go with our name
It affects everyone
And it could happen to anyone
Black and white, rich or poor
Violence comes knocking at any door
Look at the problem in the face
Cause I gotta tell you now it destroys our race
Dreaming to nightmare
Violence is not our way
Victims feel that they’re to blame
Then do bad things just to ease the pain
Turn to drugs, pills and crime
They feel afraid and feel confined
They look for ways to run away
They don’t wanna keep on livin’ that way
I can say it now and all night long
It’s the abuser who’s in the wrong
It’s the kids who feel the pain
And live each day in cold, black rain
Living each day in poverty
Walking to school with injuries
It’s a nightmare but to them it’s a life
Ten year old sister threatens brother with a knife
We gotta wake up outta this nightmare
And show the kids that we really care
Lyrics (and music): Malcolm Gollan (1999)
24
what is child abuse & neglect? forms of child abus
what are the effects of child abuse & section
neglect? how do we recognise child abuse
& neglect? how should we respond to a
suspected or known case of child abuse or
neglect? what is child abuse & neglect? forms of child
abuse what are the effects of child abuse & neglect
how do we recognise child abuse & neglect? how
should we respond to a suspected or known case o
child abuse or neglect? what is child abuse & neglect
forms of child abuse what are the effects of child
abuse & neglect? how do we recognise child abus
& neglect? how should we respond to a suspected o
known case of child abuse or neglect? what is child
abuse & neglect? forms of child abuse what are th
effects of child abuse & neglect? how do we recognis
child abuse & neglect? how should we respond to
suspected or known case of child abuse or neglect
what is child abuse & neglect? forms of child abus
what are the effects of child abuse & neglect? how do
we recognise child abuse & neglect? how should w
respond to a suspected or known case of child abus
or neglect? what is child abuse & neglect? forms o
child abuse what are the effects of child abuse &
neglect? how do we recognise child abuse & neglect
child abuse and neglect
B
SECTION B
What is child abuse?
Child abuse is the deliberate act of harming a child physically or emotionally. Children
may be harmed by a parent, brother or sister, other relatives, caregiver, acquaintance
or a stranger. In traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies, children were
raised in a safe protected environment, nurtured and cared for by the immediate and
extended families (See: Growing up our Way; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child
rearing practices matrix for more detail on this.) Anne Hamilton (1981) wrote of her stay
with one Aboriginal community, in which childhood behaviour was characterised by a
lack of demands and responsibilities, with few restraints on emotion and anger. Learning
was by observation and copying, children had access to everyone in the community and
parenting was permissive and indulgent. Elsewhere she wrote: “once babies could sit
unsupported, they literally became public property, being passed from person to person
and losing the direct and constant attention of their mothers” (Jarrinjaku 2002).
Child abuse is
the misuse of
power by adults
or young people
over children
that endangers
or impairs a
child’s physical or
emotional health
and development
(Children’s Court of
Victoria 2012)
Regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship and child rearing practices,
SNAICC (1996) reported that:
An Aboriginal child is not isolated from the rest of the community. Aboriginal
children are the responsibility of the whole extended family and the community.
A child’s elders, as well as all of their broader extended family, will play a role in
their rearing, including older siblings and cousins. In many communities, the family
is biological and classificatory with skin groupings, which define responsibilities
and obligations.
While Aboriginal families tend to live in household units in urban areas, their
interaction with other members of the family and friends is great, reflecting cultural
forms of interaction. Nevertheless, there are many for whom living in urban areas
is isolating and stressful.
The living circumstances of families naturally affect the ideal operation of this form
of child-rearing. Families are spread across the country these days. Adults have
problems: alcoholism, mental-illness and other illnesses. Some are in prison or
institutions. Many have not dealt with abuse in their own lives, past and present.
Children are removed by government authorities. Grandparents die young.
Poverty affects the ability of some to care for additional children. Some families
are isolated by geography, living in urban areas with poor access to transport and
communications.
These challenging circumstances faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
individuals, families and communities must be considered but never should they justify
the abuse of a child, nor provide a reason for not acting on a child’s behalf.
26
SECTION B
Forms of child abuse
Child abuse covers a range of harmful acts and behaviours. These are grouped into the
following categories::
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Neglect
Sexual abuse
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when an adult or older person deliberately inflicts pain and injury
on a child. It shows up in physical injury (for example bruising or fractures) that has
resulted from acts such as:
slapping
kicking
biting
strangling
throwing a child
punching
flogging
burning
belting
pinching
shaking
squeezing
Physical abuse can also involve the use of the hand or objects to hit and/or hurt children.
Physical injury can be caused by a single episode or repeated episodes of abuse. The
severity of injury from physical abuse can range from minor bruising to death. Sometimes
the abuser may not mean to inflict the degree of harm that occurs. The injury may have
resulted from discipline that is too harsh, or physical punishment that is inappropriate to
the child’s age or condition. This includes incidents where babies are shaken vigorously
by an angry person who doesn’t realise the damage they are causing.
Psychological/emotional abuse
These forms of abuse are often carried out and repeated by a parent, caregiver, sibling,
relation or elder which damages a child’s emotional well-being. A child’s confidence, self
-esteem and social competence are continually attacked. Emotional abuse is present in
all forms of abuse and covers a range of behaviours that may cause psychological harm
to a child which, over time, can result in serious emotional deprivation or trauma.
Some examples of actions which can cause a child emotional abuse include:
•
being witness to one or more forms of family violence
•
constantly being told you are no good, useless or worthless
•
being continually rejected or shown little or no affection
•
repeatedly being subject to threats and verbal abuse such as name-calling,
ridiculing and intimidation
•
being isolated or locked up alone (often as punishment), or not being allowed
to socialise or to have friends.
Psychological/emotional abuse on its own can cause just as much harm as other forms
of abuse, but can be harder to identify, because it does not leave any physical injuries.
It is often not recognised until a child shows signs of emotional abuse (see indicators of
emotional abuse below).
27
SECTION B
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a child is harmed as a result of their carer’s failure to meet their
physical and emotional needs. It is the failure to provide a child with the basic needs of
life such as food, clothing, shelter, education and care to the extent that a child’s health
is placed at risk and their development impaired.
Emotional abuse
may not show in
the physical signs,
such as injuries
that we are used
to seeing; it is,
however, still
possible to see
its harm on our
children.
A child who is neglected may also be at risk of injury or harm due to inadequate
supervision.
Neglect of the basic physical needs of a child includes the failure to provide children with
adequate:
•
food, clothing, shelter
•
medical care
•
supervision or general care
•
education (as specified in New South Wales, South Australian and Tasmanian
legislations).
Neglect of the basic psychological needs include:
Emotional abuse
includes a child
or young person
living in a
situation of family
violence.
•
not providing a child with appropriate levels of interaction, encouragement,
nurturing and stimulation
•
continually ignoring a child’s distress — for example, pleas for help, comfort or
acceptance.
In some states and territories, a lack of adequate school attendance is recognised as a
form of neglect. There are no allowances for ‘cultural leave’ for school children, as there
may be for their working parents and family members. Many organisations have cultural
leave policies for customary, cultural and family activities within workplace agreements.
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families tend to take children with them,
often on long journeys, to keep their children close. There needs to be negotiation
and communication between all parties concerned as to how Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander children can meet school attendance requirements and attend important
family/cultural events.
Child sexual abuse
Child sexual abuse (sometimes called sexual assault) occurs when an adult or older
person uses his or her power over a child to involve the child in sexual activity. Child
sexual abuse is often premeditated. The abuser may trick, bribe, threaten or force a child
to take part in sexual activity. Examples of child sexual abuse include:
28
•
flashing: appearing naked in front of, or inappropriately exposing ‘private parts’ to a
child or young person, or coercing a child or young person into exposing themselves
•
using sexually suggestive behaviour or comments
•
touching and/or fondling genitals, or coercing a child into touching an older
person’s genitals
SECTION B
•
coercing a child or young person to masturbate in the presence of an older
person, or for an older person to masturbate in front of children
•
forcing, coercing or asking a child to give or receive oral sex
•
penetration of the vagina or anus by a penis, other body part, or with objects
•
exposing a child or young person to pornography or using them for
pornography, such as taking nude photos or film of them
•
collection or distribution of these films and photos
•
obscene calls, emails, remarks, or obscene use of other forms of social media
towards a child
•
voyeurism (getting sexual pleasure from looking at sexual acts or organs of children)
•
inappropriate touching, kissing or holding of the child or young person; or
coercing the child or young person into inappropriate touching of an older
person.
From an
Aboriginal
and Torres
Strait Islander
perspective,
neglect also
includes acts
leading to the
denial of access
to culture of a
child.
Refer to Section C for more detailed information about the sexual abuse of children.
Cultural abuse
Family life can be significantly affected by cultural traditions, beliefs and values. Children
may have certain roles or responsibilities within the family, which adhere to their cultural
customs or beliefs. There may be particular relationships between certain members of
the family, which dictate or involve positions of power or authority. Cultural abuse of
children occurs when children are abused in one form or another under the guise of
cultural practice, or by using culture as a reason for violence against a child. Further
examples may include:
•
denying the right to practice or attend ceremonies or rites
•
denying the right to learn their language and culture
•
knowingly teaching/providing a child with incorrect or inappropriate information
or expectations relating to their culture
•
denying access to certain family members.
29
SECTION B
What are the effects of child abuse and neglect?
The effects and consequences of child abuse will depend upon the child’s age and
stage of development. The long-term impact of child abuse and neglect cannot be easily
predicted. However, in 2011 the Australian parliament released a report titled Doing Time
- Time for Doing: Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system. The report highlighted
the links between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are caught up in the
justice system and histories of family trauma, violence and neglect. Additionally, from
Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia, and New South Wales it was revealed
that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are overrepresented as survivors of
violence, and are four times more likely to have experienced sexual assault (House of
Representatives Standing committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
2011).
The long term consequences of abuse can be detrimental, leaving emotional scars which
can lead to an inability to form lasting relationships, psychiatric illness and even suicide.
The following factors contribute to the long term effects:
•
the age and gender of the child
•
the type of abuse
•
the severity and duration of abuse
•
the abusive person’s relationship to the child
•
family structure, support and positive relationships within or outside the family
•
the timing, quality and type of intervention
•
factors relating to the survivor’s resilience.
The immediate effects of physical abuse can result in serious injury and trauma, brain
damage, disability and permanent physical injury and even death. Many children are
unable to develop coping skills, or be emotionally healthy in a chronically abusive or
neglectful environment. Abuse and neglect can affect children’s development in the
following ways:
Personal
The younger the child, the more
vulnerable they are to abuse and the
more serious the consequences are
likely to be.
30
•
Slowed cognitive development
•
Poor understanding of ‘self’
•
Poor language development
•
Lowered level of verbal skills
•
Psychiatric disorders
•
Lower self esteem
•
Poor concentration
•
Behavioural problems
SECTION B
Interpersonal
•
Inability to form meaningful relationships
•
Social immaturity
•
Fewer life coping skills
Increased likelihood of:
•
general poor health
•
eating disorders
•
depression
•
self-destructive behaviours
•
homelessness
•
abuse of own children
•
future delinquency
•
adult crime/violence
•
substance abuse
•
personality disorders
•
youth suicide
•
violence/aggressive behaviour
•
sexual adjustment
•
failure to thrive.
These effects can reduce a person’s ability to function within society, specifically in their
roles within education, employment, relationships and parenting.
How do we recognise child abuse and neglect?
The sooner a case of child abuse is detected and addressed the better the outcome.
As family, professionals, leaders and members of a community — as protectors of our
people and culture — we need to be responsible for recognising and taking appropriate
action against all forms of child abuse, including family violence. Being aware of the
warning signs of child abuse (also known as risk indicators) will guide us to fulfill this
responsibility. If there are signs or symptoms of child abuse and neglect, but you are
unsure, report your concern or talk to a suitable worker or professional.
If harm to a child
has been getting
worse over time, it is
likely that, without
intervention, the
abuse will continue
to worsen and end
up causing significant
harm to the child.
“Socio-economic
disadvantage
places families at
higher risk of child
maltreatment, with
studies suggesting
that this is due to
the stress caused by
financial difficulties
and poor living
conditions.”
(O’Donnell et al. 2010)
The following is a guide to help you recognise the signs and symptoms of possible child
abuse and neglect:
31
SECTION B
General indicators of abuse or neglect in a child:
•
When a child tells/discloses to you that he/she has been abused or is being
neglected
•
When a child gives an unlikely explanation for an injury they have
•
When a child mentions they know someone who has been abused (they could
be referring to themselves)
•
Poor concentration
•
Sleeping issues such as insomnia, nightmares and bed-wetting
•
Significant changes in mood or behaviour
•
Increased risk-taking behaviours, tantrums, aggressiveness, withdrawal
•
Self-destructive behaviour
•
Complaints of stomach aches and headaches, with no physical signs of illness
•
Being wary or not trusting of adults
•
Fearful of returning home or of parents/carers being contacted
•
Running away from home
•
Being very passive and increasingly cooperative
•
low self-esteem, withdrawal, depression.
Possible signs of physical abuse in children:
•
Injuries such as bruises, burns, sprains, cuts, fractures, bites, lacerations,
welts, scratches other bruising or marks which may show the outline of object
that caused it (e.g. belt buckle, handprint)
•
Multiple injuries, and a combination of old and new bruises on a child
•
Facial, head and neck bruising
•
Arms and legs covered by clothing inappropriate for the season
•
Ingestion of poisonous substances, alcohol, drugs
•
Unlikely explanation given by the child as the reason for injury
•
Refusal to comment on, or discuss, injuries
•
Withdrawal from physical contact
•
Showing aggression towards others.
Possible signs of physical abuse of children in parents or carers:
32
•
Direct admissions by parents or carers that they are worried they might injure
their child
•
Family history of violence, including previous harm to children and young
people
•
History of their own maltreatment as a child or young person
•
Repeated presentations of the child to health services with injuries, ingestions
or minor complaints
SECTION B
•
Marked delay between injury and getting medical assistance
•
Story of injury inconsistent with physical signs
•
Vague, bizarre or changing story for child’s injury.
Parents or caregivers who have seriously hurt their children may sometimes
show similar patterns in their response to what has happened including:
•
Not acknowledging their part in the harm
•
Being more worried about what might happen to themselves than the child
•
Showing little or no concern about the welfare of the child or treatment and
care of the injury.
•
Feelings of worthlessness about life and themselves
The following
factors need to
be considered
as indicators of
significant risk:
•
Less able to value others
•
The current injury
condition is severe
•
Lack of trust in people and their expectations
•
•
Lack of interpersonal skills necessary for normal interaction
•
Extreme attention-seeking or risk-taking behaviour
•
Behavioural disorders such as disruptiveness, aggressiveness, bullying
The current injury
is located on the
head or genital
region
•
Compulsive lying and stealing
•
The pattern of
harm is continuing
•
Destructive or violent behaviour
•
•
Rocking the body or sucking things
The pattern of
harm is escalating
•
Being very withdrawn or depressed
•
•
High levels of anxiety
•
Fear of new situations
•
Extremely passive or in their ‘own world’
The parent or
caregiver has
made a threat
to cause serious
harm to the child
•
Showing delayed speech or sudden speech disorder
•
•
Drug or alcohol abuse, sniffing petrol, glue or other substances
•
Inappropriate emotional responses to painful situations
•
Delays in physical, mental and emotional development
Sexual abuse is
alleged and the
perpetrator is
continuing to have
access to the
child.
Indicators of emotional abuse in children:
Indicators that parents or carers may be abusive:
(FYCCQ 2000)
•
Constant criticism, teasing, ‘downing’ of a child
•
Ignoring or withholding praise and affection
•
Placing excessive or unreasonable demands on a child
•
Persistent hostility and severe verbal abuse; rejecting and blaming
•
Belief that a particular child or young person is bad or evil
•
Using inappropriate physical or social isolation as punishment
•
Behaviour which places a child’s safety, welfare and well-being at risk
33
SECTION B
•
Exposing children to family violence.
Indicators of neglect in children or young people:
Head and
face injuries
have greater
significance for
children because
of the potential
for brain, eye and
ear damage
•
Frequent hunger
•
Scavenging or stealing food
•
Seeming constantly tired or lacking life or energy
•
Looking generally run-down and sickly
•
Low self-esteem
•
Inappropriate clothing, for example, wearing inadequate clothing in winter
•
Poor personal hygiene (and signs of medical problems as a result) leading to
social isolation
•
Extended stays at school, public places, others’ homes
•
Extreme longing for adult affection
•
A flat and superficial way of relating, lacking a sense of general interaction
•
Anxiety about being dropped off or abandoned
•
Self-comforting behaviour, eg, rocking, sucking
•
Poor or slowed physical and social development
•
Frequent lateness or truancy
•
Untreated medical problems
•
Lack of regular school attendance or non-enrolment in educational settings,
for example, school or kindergarten
As indicators of neglectful behaviour in parents or carers:
The more severe
an injury is from
child abuse,
the greater the
chance of further
and more harmful
abuse
•
failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, hygienic
home conditions or leaving the child alone without supervision
•
inability to respond emotionally to a child
•
depriving the child of physical contact for prolonged periods
•
failure to provide psychological nurturing – praise and encouragement
•
one child or young person being treated differently to sibling(s)
•
absence of social support from relatives, other adults or social networks
•
denial of a child’s cultural heritage/identity.
For indicators of sexual abuse, refer to Page 50 in Section C on Child Sexual Abuse.
When considering child neglect the following life circumstances of the parent or carer
may be relevant:
•
34
The lifestyle of the parents or carers — for example transient, dependency on
alcohol, drugs and gambling.
SECTION B
•
Parents who are constantly asking for help but seem unwilling to meet their
children’s most basic needs of food, safety and shelter parents who blame
their children for most things, leaving children on their own, and not making
adequate care arrangements for children.
•
A high degree of stress around children.
When considering child abuse the following life circumstances of the child or young
person may be relevant:
•
History of previous harm to the child or young person.
•
Social or geographic isolation of the child or family, including lack of access to
extended family or supports.
•
Abuse or neglect of a sibling/s, family history of violence, including injury to
children and young people.
What to do if we suspect or know of a child
experiencing abuse and neglect.
If a child or parent were to tell us about abuse, how should we react? What steps should
we take if we think a child is being abused?
Emerging evidence
suggests that
cases where both
family violence
and child abuse
occur represent
the greatest risk
to children and
young people’s
safety and that
large numbers
of cases where
children are killed
have histories of
family violence.
(Laing 2003)
A situation of child abuse or neglect may come directly to your attention from the victim.
When a child tells you about abuse or neglect:
•
Remain calm — do not express shock, panic or disbelief as the child may take
this as a sign they have done something wrong
•
Believe the child, reassure them, let them know that telling was the right thing to do
•
Find a private place to talk
•
Use the child’s vocabulary and encourage them to discuss — or draw — their
feelings
•
Reassure the child that it is not his/her fault and that other children share
similar problems
•
Do not push for details of the abuse/neglect. The child will face interviews after
referral to the relevant protective service agency in your state/territory
•
Explain to the child that support and protection is available to them
•
Do not confront the parents or person you suspect
•
Do not make promises you cannot keep to the child, such as promising you will
keep abuse a secret
•
Seek expert advice
•
Inform the child of the action you will take and let them know what is likely to
happen
There is a general
understanding
that in situations
of family violence
there is a much
higher risk of
physical and
emotional damage
to children and an
increased risk that
basic childhood
needs, including
protection, will
not be met.
35
SECTION B
•
Be aware that the child may take back or change their story. This can happen for
many different reasons and you should be prepared to believe tthe first time the
child spoke to you.
A parent or carer may reveal their own abusive behaviour. Parents who admit that they
have harmed a child are likely to feel shame and feel bad about themselves. It is important
to get the message across to them that they are not alone in having these problems, that
they have done the right thing in seeking help and that assistance is available.
For information about the reporting requirements and processes of child abuse and
neglect see Section D — reporting child abuse and neglect.
Important points to consider in a case of child abuse and neglect:
•
The highest priority must be given to the child. Children have the right to be
physically and emotionally safe at all times. They are the most vulnerable
members of our community. They do not have the power to stop abuse, and
rely on us to do so.
•
The general responsibility for ensuring that our children are safe from abuse is
shared between the family, the community and the government. This includes
people delivering services to children and families.
•
Early detection and effective intervention may not only prevent further child
abuse but can also reduce short and long-term effects, as well as help heal the
children and families concerned.
•
Child protection workers aim to keep families together wherever possible. Their
aim is to assist children and families, not to pass judgment or blame.
•
Much of the prevention of child abuse and neglect in the community is thanks
to the help of nurses, teachers, doctors, social workers, neighbours, relatives
and volunteers, and the staff of community organisations.
•
The timing and quality of intervention is very important in looking after the
needs of victims and families. If you are aware of a possible case of child
abuse or neglect follow these steps.
CHILD SEXUAL
ASSAULT
If you are aware
of a case of
child sexual
assault, refer to
Section C: Child
Sexual Assault
1. Write down what you have noticed.
2. Compare what you have seen or heard with the identified indicators of
child abuse and neglect (see previous pages).
3. Decide if there are reasonable grounds to your suspicion. If so, make a
notification by contacting your state/territory department responsible for
child protection (contacts listed in Section E, page 83 onwards).
4. Or if you need further advice on a suspected case, also contact your local
child protection department.
36
SECTION B
•
If you are reporting a case of child abuse or neglect, you may want to remain
anonymous and have your details or involvement kept confidential. It is
recommended to check with your respective state or territory department
to learn more about anonymity and confidentiality when reporting a case of
suspected child abuse or neglect.
Although the care and protection of children is a shared responsibility, some are
required by law to report knowledge of child abuse and neglect. These people are
known as mandatory notifiers or mandated parties, and the law and process is known
as mandatory reporting.
Mandated parties and mandatory reporting varies between the different states and
territories. Section D in this handbook outlines the differences and details of who
mandatory notifiers are, when and what circumstances they are required by law to
report, and just who is covered in mandatory reporting.
The purpose of making it a legal obligation for people to notify cases of child abuse and
neglect is to expose serious hidden abuse. This enables:
- police
“The child’s
feelings about
themselves may
be influenced
by your initial
reaction to the
abuse. If the child
senses a horrified
response, this
may reinforce
and perpetuate a
child’s feelings of
guilt and shame.”
- community-based groups and others.
(DHS 2009)
•
an investigation and assessment of the situation
•
the protection of the child where necessary
•
planning for long-term help and protection of the child and their family. This
may include liaison, joint decision-making and resource provision between the
responsible department and other agencies including:
- Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agencies (AICCAs)
- health services
- family and children’s services
- child care centres, kindergartens and schools
Notifying the department responsible for child protection in your state is an important
step in the general prevention of child abuse. Even if you are not a mandated party,
reporting your belief of a suspected case of child abuse can be the first important step
in stopping the abuse and protecting the child from further harm. Failure to notify child
abuse may result in the continued abuse of a child.
37
SECTION B
“If adults do not act, the abuse is likely to continue and the child is likely
to experience life-long effects.”
Photo: Kenny Bedford
(DHS 2009)
ONE LONELY NIGHT
One lonely night
Nights so were cold
People sittin round the fire
Babies crying all night long
Mother and Father they were drunk
Don’t know what to do
Get the baby and take him inside
One lonely night
Nights were so cold
People sittin’ round the fire
Babies crying all night long
Get the baby and take him inside
One lonely night
FRANK YAMMA
38
what is child sexual assault? what are the myth
and facts about child sexual assault? how section
does child sexual assault happen? what
are the effects of child sexual assault?
how might we recognise child sexual
assault? how should we respond to a suspected
or known case of child sexual assault? how can
we help to prevent child sexual assault? wha
is child sexual assault? what are the myths and
facts about child sexual assault? how does child
sexual assault happen? what are the effects o
child sexual assault? how might we recognise
child sexual assault? how should we respond to a
suspected or known case of child sexual assault?
how can we help to prevent child sexual assault?
and facts about child sexual assault? how doe
child sexual assault happen? what are the effect
of child sexual assault? how might we recognise
child sexual assault? how should we respond to a
suspected or known case of child sexual assault?
how can we help to prevent child sexual assault?
and facts about child sexual assault? how doe
child sexual assault happen? what are the effect
child sexual abuse
C
SECTION C
child sexual abuse
What is child sexual abuse?
Children are the most vulnerable members of our community — they rely on us to protect
them and keep them safe. Children are vulnerable to abuse as they have less power and
control than others around them.
Child sexual abuse is often called ‘child sexual assault’ to highlight the fact that sexual
abuse is a serious crime. Other terms used for the sexual maltreatment of children are:
child sexual victimisation, child exploitation, child molestation, child sexual maltreatment,
paedophilia and child rape.
Child sexual abuse occurs when any person — adult, adolescent or older child — uses
their power and authority over a child to involve them in any sexual activity (contact and
non-contact). Such sexual activities include:
• Verbal or obscene comments/remarks:
– using verbal comments to trick, threaten or sexualise the child e.g. ‘If you
tell anyone I will kill you’ and ‘I’m doing this to you because I love you’
– using sexually intrusive questions or comments, obscene calls/remarks,
notes, use of computer or messaging systems etc.
• Voyeurism:
– watching or observing children for sexual pleasure and gratification
– making children undress or performs sexual acts on other children while
they watch
– Coercing, accessing and storing sex acts or sexual depictions children via
electronic means (e.g. via ‘sexting’ or other means)
• Exhibitionism/exposure:
– exposing their naked body, genitals or anus to a child
– masturbating or performing sexual acts on other children or adults in view
of children
• Physical acts – where offenders may involve children in a range of acts:
– kissing or holding in a sexual manner
– fondling the child’s genitals, or getting the child to fondle the older
person’s genitals
– masturbating (with child as either observer or participant)
– penetration of the anus and/or vagina with penis, finger or object
– oral sex (fellatio or cunnilingus)
• Pornography and prostitution:
– exposing a child to pornography
40
SECTION C
child sexual abuse
– using the child for pornography or prostitution
– photographing the child for sexual activity or distributing images of
children electronically
• Use of objects and animals — where the abusive person:
– may penetrate the vagina or anus with object(s)
– involve the child in acts of bestiality.
Child sexual abusers take advantage of the trust, dependency and immaturity of children.
Offenders abuse children for their own sexual gratification usually by physical force and/
or psychological control.
ALONE YOU FEEL
Alone you feel in all your pain
Well alone no more
That pain’s been a visitor at my door
Once this could happen to me
After too many times a guilt travelled with thee
It’s not something that goes away in a hurry
And the confusion don’t stop just with your sorry
To all of you who have been where I’ve been
Who have suffered in silence and in our dreams
Take light, love and understanding
And be proud of where you have walked
And that you are here, you are here still left standing
If you take that hate
It will take you six feet under the ground
If you take that hate it will take you six feet under the
ground
Alone you feel in all your pain,
Well alone no more
That pain’s been a visitor at my door
Cause we have walked to hell and back
And the comfort comes
When we can smile at our own tracks
Lyrics (and Music) by Jacinta Tobin
41
SECTION C
child sexual abuse
Important facts about child sexual abuse
• It is a crime.
• It happens in all cultures and occurs in all types of families, regardless of
education or income.
• Children of all ages — from babies to adolescents — may be sexually abused.
• It happens to girls and boy. One Australian study estimated that 12% of girls
and 4.5% of boys had experienced some form of sexual abuse. It is clear that
girls are at greater risk, and they are more likely to be abused by a male family
member (Richards 2011).
• It is an abuse of the child’s trust.
• Every child reacts differently to sexual abuse, but children don’t usually lie
about sexual abuse.
• It is never the child’s fault. The person with sexually abusive behaviours is
responsible for the abuse.
• Children lack the necessary information and maturity to make an informed
decision about sexual activities with an older person. See page XX in Section
D for more information on this. They do not have adult knowledge of sex and
sexual relationships, or a grasp of the social meaning of sexuality and its
potential consequences.
• Children are never in a position to give informed consent to such activities.
• People with abusive behaviours come from all walks of life. They are everyday
people who have families, jobs and may be respected members of our
community. Rarely is there anything noticeably ‘odd’ or different about them.
• Children may be sexually abused by a family member, by acquaintances or by
strangers. However, children are most likely to be sexually abused by someone
they know such as a family member, neighbour or friend of the family.
• Because abuse usually happens by someone the child knows, abusive contact
can happen frequently. For this reason it is more common for sexual abuse to
be repeated.
• Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2005, most sexual abuse
is done by men. In the survey, nearly a third of abuse was by a male relative
(other than the survivor’s father or stepfather). Additionally over 13% of abuse
was by fathers or step-fathers, family friends (16.3%), an acquaintance or
neighbour (15.6%), or another known person (15.3%) (Richards 2011).
• Child sexual abuse may occur once, or many times over a period of months
or years, though reports indicate it is rare for a sexual offence to be a one-off
occurrence.
42
SECTION C
child sexual abuse
• A high proportion of men commit their first child sex offence during
adolescence.
• Without assessment and appropriate intervention, adolescent males who
sexually abuse younger children are likely to continue to do so into adulthood.
• The vast majority of people who sexually abuse are male.
• Some people who sexually abuse children use all sorts of ways and means to
make children do what they want and to maintain secrecy around the abuse.
• According to research by Jackson and Wernham (2005), most stories of child
sexual abuse never become public. As many as 95% of child sex offenders do
not have criminal convictions. On best estimates, only about 10% of people are
prosecuted and only half of that 10% are convicted.
• Child sexual abuse can be difficult to detect or to do anything about because
of the ‘secrecy’ that surrounds the crime. It may not only be the abusive person
and the child who keep quiet, as sometimes there may be others who are
aware of it but do not say anything for fear of the consequences. This makes it
very difficult to accurately assess the extent of child sexual abuse.
• Awareness of the extent and nature of child sexual abuse will assist those
working with children to identify and help those who have been sexually
abused.
• When you believe children, support them and protect them from further sexual
abuse, they can recover from the impact of the abuse on them and their lives.
43
SECTION C
child sexual abuse
How does child sexual abuse happen?
Child sexual abuse is different to other forms of child abuse as it is usually premeditated —
involving careful thinking and planning. Understanding how child sexual abuse happens,
and understanding the tactics used by an abuser, helps us to better understand why
children (and family or other adults) may appear to go along with the abuse and keep it a
secret. It can also help to explain why and how people who abuse can deny allegations
against them and avoid getting caught. People who regularly sexually abuse children can
work hard to conceal knowledge of their offences. Others may not be as frequent in this
behaviour. Or some may be pedophiles who are fixated on children as sexual objects and
will think their abusive behaviour is reasonable.
FACT
Most sexual abuse of children is done by someone the child knows.
From an ABS study from 2005, just over 11% of participants advised
strangers had sexually abused them.
From the same study it was revealed that approximately 44% of
participants were sexually abused by a father, stepfather or relative.
Just over 47% were abused by a family friend, acquaintance, neighbour
or another known person. These stats come to over 100% because
some of the people identified as abusers fall into two or more categories
(Richards 2011).
About 70% are sexually abused by their fathers, uncles, grandfathers,
or other relatives. The remaining 20% are sexually abused by men that
they ‘know’ such as neighbours, family, friends etc.
FACT
Over 80% are sexually abused in either their own home, the
perpetrator’s home, or their mutual home.
FACT
Men who sexually abuse children often do not fit the stereotypes.
Many are married, hold respectable jobs and are from all classes and
backgrounds (Smallbone and Wortley 2001).
FACT
There appears to be a social ‘taboo’ in talking about child sexual abuse.
In fact the continued silence makes it easier for the child sexual abuse
to continue.
FACT
From a review of four studies using comprehensive measures in
Australia, it was found that females experienced prevalence rates of
7-12% for penetrative child sexual abuse and 23-36% for
non-penetrative child sexual abuse. Males had prevalence rates of
4-8% for penetrative child sexual abuse and 12-16% for non-penetrative
abuse (Price-Robertson, Bromfield and Vassallo 2010).
Sexually abusive behaviour can begin at an early age. A review of adolescents known
to sexually assault children found this type of abuse is a significant contributor to overall
child sexual abuse rates. Adolescent boys are estimated to make up between one-third
to half of all reports of child sexual abuse (Nisbet 2010). Sibling sexual abuse is also
a significant issue. One report found this type of abuse is to be twice as common as
abuse by fathers or step-fathers (ibid). In a study released in 2005 it was found 23% of
young people in treatment for sexually abusive behaviours were aged 10-12 years, and
44
SECTION C
child sexual abuse
70% were 15 or younger (Boyd and Bromfield 2006). There are some links between
children expressing sexually abusive behaviours and their own experience of abuse.
However the links are not always clear, in that not everyone who has been abused will
go on to express abusive behaviours; and not everyone who has these behaviours has
experienced abuse (Nisbet 2011).
Other important facts are that:
AN EXPERIENCE
In one case, a child was
abused at least every week
in her bedroom for five
years. She had her genitals
fondled, was obliged to
perform fellatio on her
father and experience
vaginal intercourse from
the onset of abuse when
she was seven years old.
•
Women are more likely to be sexually abused than men. From the 2005 ABS
survey, before turning 15, 12% of women had been sexually abused compared
to 4.5% of men.
•
Females and males aged 10 to 14 years had the highest experienced rate of
sexual assaults in Australia in 2011. The rate for females was 534 per 100,000.
For males it was 112 per 100,000 males (Australian Institute of Criminology
2012).
•
Female child sexual abuse is more likely to be undertaken by someone they
know, such as a friend or relative. Male survivors are also predominantly
abused by someone they know, but have a higher risk of being abused by a
stranger (Richards 2011).
This child was raped an
estimated 200 times before
she was thirteen years old.
Her history of incest is not
atypical.
•
Many children experience sexual abuse for more than a year (Taylor et al.
2008).
“When I was seven it
happened every day. He
would touch me all over
and kiss me passionately
on my mouth and body. He
was real nice and friendly. I
felt rotten and dirty.
There is evidence that the younger a person is when intervention is sought regarding
their sexually abusive behaviours, the higher chance there is for them to break their
patterns of abuse. It is comparatively uncommon for young people in this situation to be
charged with further sexual offences (Nisbet 2010).
People’s opinions vary in terms of the best strategies to respond to sexually abusive
behaviours. There is concerted effort to learn about what leads to and what affectively
prevents sexual abuse.
The grooming process
The use of deliberate tactics by people to select a child, to lure them into sexual
activities and maintain the secrecy about these acts is commonly known as the
grooming process. Grooming involves:
•
the identification and targeting of children
•
gaining access to children by developing or exploiting a relationship of trust..
This can be done in person, on a computer via the internet (facebook or other
social media), or by ‘sexting’ on a mobile phone
•
the maintenance of a secretive, increasingly abusive relationship.
I was passive when he
started doing it but tried
to keep out of his way
as much as possible. He
would come into my
bedroom every night
and make me touch him.
Occasionally he would
threaten me not to tell
anyone.
By the time I was thirteen,
he was having intercourse
with me every second
night and morning. I was
terrified that someone
would find out. I felt so
guilty.”
Identification and targeting of children
Vulnerable or dependent children are often the target of child sexual abuse. Children
who may be at greater risk of sexual abuse include those who are:
•
lonely, distressed
45
SECTION C
child sexual abuse
“There are many
ways offenders
persuade
themselves that
what they do
is okay. They
might persuade
themselves that
they are a teacher
of sex. They
might persuade
themselves,
as network
paedophiles do,
that they have
a philosophical
position that says
that children should
be allowed to have
sex with adults.
They persuade
themselves that
some children
are different from
others and it’s
okay to do it to
this child and
not to another.
There are all sorts
of ways they
kid themselves.
But with all the
adults and all the
adolescents I’ve
ever worked with,
somewhere, on
some level, they
knew what they
were doing and
who they were
doing it to.”
(McMenamin and
Fitzgerald 2001)
46
•
unhappy, needy
•
trusting, innocent
•
lacking in confidence, have low self-esteem
•
in care, who have disabilities and/or personal carers
•
small, weak.
Or those who have:
•
a physical disability
•
a disadvantaged background
•
poor language skills, communication difficulties
•
a previous experience of abuse (McEachern 2012, Colton, Roberts & Vanstone
2010).
Recruitment
There are a number of strategies sex perpetrators may use to engage a child including:
• Trust
The abuser establishes, develops and exploits a relationship of trust by spending time
with the child, listening to them, building rapport, using flattery, relating to their
needs and appearing to be caring, supportive and understanding.
• Favouritism
The abusive person may treat the child as ‘special’, pay them significant
attention, afford them privileges, compliments, gifts and money.
• Isolation/alienation
From friends, parent(s)/carer, siblings (e.g. using notion of special privileges),
peers. The person abusing may be around constantly, control family
interactions and undermine the confidence and authority of parent(s)/carer(s).
• Secrecy
At this stage in the grooming process a foundation of secrecy may be
established that is intended to maintain the abuse in silence, and to protect the
person abusing. The approach may be subtle or non-subtle, for example use of
threatening looks or body language to control what information is shared by the
child with others.
• Desensitisation/boundary violations
The abusive person may progressively invade the privacy of the child and
take advantage of being around at times when a child is bathing, dressing
or changing clothes. Alternatively, other behaviours include undressing,
or appearing naked, or going to the toilet in front of the child. Sex may be
‘normalised’ by open sexual talk and behaviour in front of the child, use of
sexually explicit stories or jokes and leaving or using pornographic material
in view of the child. The level of touching, kissing, hugging or contact is
increased.
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child sexual abuse
• Evaluation
The abusive person evaluates if it is safe to progress the nature of abuse. Has
the child been ‘groomed’ to a stage where they would respond favourably to
more intimate sexual acts? They may use touching games to test the child’s
resistance, level of interest or weaknesses and simultaneously test the child’s
ability and willingness to keep the abusive behaviour secret.
Maintenance
Repeating the sexual abuse relies on getting the child to keep a secret. By now the person
grooming the child has a better sense of the child’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities. They
have been careful to observe and study the child’s behaviour and reactions in response
to their own. They will make gestures, statements, threats, promises and lies to the
child to maintain the silence and prevent them from disclosing the acts. For example,
particularly in the case of older children, the abuser may convince the child that they will
be taken away or placed in a home, or that their mother will disown them or die if anyone
found out.
Over time, more measures are taken, such as checking of risks and compliance of
the child, silencing protests, assuring the child of the ‘rightness’ of what is happening,
convincing children they won’t be hurt, conveying negative consequences if they tell,
conveying the illusion that he/she is free to choose, that the child has consented and
they are in a ‘relationship’, and issuing bribes, threats, punishments and rewards.
Why can’t children tell?
The grooming process, the abuse and the secrecy surrounding it, makes it very difficult
for children to speak out about what is happening to them. Victims of child sexual abuse
often don’t tell because they:
Child abuse,
including bullying,
thrives on secrecy.
Communicating
openly and
honestly with
children will assist
them to speak up
when something is
worrying them.
(EPCAT 2001)
•
are scared and/or ashamed
•
think that it’s their fault and will be blamed for the abuse
•
are afraid they won’t be believed or taken seriously
•
believe they are strange in some way
•
are afraid of getting the abuser and/or themselves into trouble
•
feel embarrassed, guilty, alone
•
have problems communicating and expressing themselves
•
have emotional and learning difficulties
•
don’t want to hurt or upset other people or family members
•
don’t want other people or friends to find out
•
they may be too traumatised to recount and explain what has been happening.
47
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What are the effects of child sexual abuse?
A FOURTEEN
YEAR OLD SAYS...
In whatever form, child abuse is harmful to everyone, especially the child. The sooner a
case of child abuse is recognised and addressed the better the outcome for the child.
“My stepfather has
been having oral
sex with me for
three years.
As in other forms of abuse, child sexual abuse damages children physically, emotionally
and behaviourally. There are both short-term and long-term consequences that impact
on the individual, their family and community.
Examples of the initial effects of child sexual abuse may include:
It started when I
was eleven years
old. I am now
fourteen.
I kept running
away because I
couldn’t tell my
family. I feared
they wouldn’t
believe me.
When my mother
went out he would
make me have oral
sex with him. I ran
away and went to
my Aunty’s place
and reported it
from there. I spoke
to the police and
the Department
for Community
Welfare who
arranged it for me
to go and stay with
my father who I
had very little to
do with before.
My mother went
to court for
custody and I am
back home again,
where no one
believes me.”
•
medical conditions — sexually transmitted infections and physical injury
•
pregnancy
•
emotional issues — guilt, shame, anger, anxiety, fear, depression and low
self-esteem
•
behavioural issues — aggression, delinquency, nightmares, phobia (e.g. fear of
men), eating and sleeping disorders
•
learning difficulties — poor concentration at school and/or truancy.
Longer-term effects may include:
•
repressed anger and hostility e.g. feeling bottled up with anger due to secrecy
•
sexual dysfunction as an adult e.g. flashbacks, difficulty in arousal, avoidance
of or phobic reactions to sexual intimacy
•
promiscuity
•
prostitution
•
isolation
•
low self-esteem
•
mental health issues
•
discomfort or difficulty in intimate relationships
•
relationship/marital problems
•
blurred role boundaries and/or role confusion in families
•
suicidal or self-mutilating behaviour
•
substance abuse
•
ongoing trauma
•
eating disorders.
Children will be affected by sexual abuse in varying ways. The full impact of sexual abuse
may not be obvious when they are children, but may develop as they get older. Like child
abuse and neglect, these effects depend on such factors as:
48
•
the age and gender of the child
•
the type of abuse
•
the severity and duration of abuse
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child sexual abuse
•
relationship between the child and the person/s abusing them
•
family structure, support and positive relationships within or outside the familyf
•
the timing, quality and type of intervention
•
factors relating to the victim’s resilience.
These are some effects of child sexual abuse seen in certain age groups:
0 – 6 years old
Anxiety, nightmares, sleeping disturbances, scared of going to bed, difficulty eating,
loss or lack of development in motor skills and language, unable to be soothed,
stress and trauma responses (easily frightened, alarmed by sounds and certain
places), lack of interest in playing, withdrawal from engaging with children and adults,
depression, inappropriate sexualised behaviour e.g. sexualised play with dolls, non-age
appropriate sexual knowledge and requesting sexual stimulation from adults or children.
7 – 12 years old
Fear, aggression, nightmares, school problems, hyperactivity, loss of skills previously
developed, difficulty dealing with bad memories, increased anxiety, stories involving fear,
speech and learning difficulties, risk taking activities, difficulty in eating, forgetfulness,
expressions of self blame, talk of vengeance, trouble self-soothing, rapid changes in emotions.
Adolescents
Depression, withdrawal, suicide thoughts, self injury, illegal acts, running away and
substance abuse.
The following factors may lead to a greater number of symptoms for victims of child
sexual abuse:
•
relationship to the abusive person
•
high frequency of sexual contact
•
long duration of abuse
•
the use of force
•
sexual acts that include oral, anal or vaginal penetration
•
an abusive person, in grooming the child effectively shields the parent/s,
carer/s ability to engage with the child
•
use of bribes or gifts.
“Early
identification
and effective
intervention can
ameliorate the
initial effects
and long-term
consequences of
child sexual abuse
and promote
the recovery of
victims”
(DHS 2009)
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How might we recognise child sexual abuse?
The secrecy surrounding child sexual abuse can make it very difficult to detect. Earlier
in this section we discussed how children are often threatened or coerced into secrecy
and may become too frightened of the consequences of coming forward about abuse.
Adults are often reluctant to openly discuss sexual matters with children or to get
involved in what they view as private family business. Secrecy often prevents children
from understanding what’s happening to them and speaking of the abuse directly.
However, children may indirectly disclose that they have been sexually abused through
physical and behavioural signs and indicators. These may be the only sign that a child
is being sexually abused. Often, a combination of indicators can signal the possibility of
sexual abuse and the need for further investigation. It’s important to note that they are
not always evidence that abuse is actually happening, as some of these indicators could
be associated with other issues in a child’s life.
An awareness of the physical and behavioural indicators of child sexual abuse can help
us to identify sexually abused children:
Physical indicators
Genital and anal areas
•
bruises, scratches or other injuries not consistent with accidental injury
•
unexplained pain or irritation in the genital area
•
itching, soreness, discharge or unexplained bleeding
•
painful and frequent urination
•
signs of sexually transmitted infections
•
semen in the vagina, anus or external genitalia or on clothing.
General
50
•
bruises, bite marks or other injuries to breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen
•
difficulty in walking or sitting
•
torn, stained or bloodied underwear
•
pregnancy in adolescence, particularly where identity of the father is vague or
secret
•
recurrent urinary tract infections
•
persistent headaches or recurrent abdominal pain.
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Behavioural indicators
A child’s age and level of maturity and development must be considered when
interpreting possible behavioural indicators of sexual abuse.
A 35-YEAR-OLD
WOMAN SAYS
Sexual
•
displaying unusual interest in the genitals of others
• acting out adult sexual behaviour
• greater attention than usual to adults of a particular sex
•
open displays of sexuality — for example, repeated public masturbation
• prematurely developed knowledge of sexual matters
• describing sexual acts — for example, ‘Uncle hurts my wee-wee’
• promiscuity, age-inappropriate sexual behaviour.
General
• sudden changes in mood or behaviour
• direct or indirect disclosure through play, stories and questions
• lack of trust in familiar adults, fear of strangers and fear of men
• lack of appropriate role boundaries in family — child fulfils parent/carer’s role
• inappropriate displays of attention between child and parent/caregiver
• difficulty sleeping and nightmares
• wanting to go to bed fully clothed
•
excessive bathing/washing
• regressed behaviour for example, bed-wetting, separation anxiety, insecurity
• change in eating patterns including ‘playing’ with food
•
acting out behaviours — aggression, lying, stealing, unexplained running away
• self-destructive behaviours — drug and other substance abuse, self-harm and
suicidal behaviours
•
withdrawn behaviour such as passivity, excessive compliance, mood swings or
depression
• learning problems at school, loss of concentration, unexplained drop in school
performance
• poor peer relationships; family and/or child appear socially isolated
•
unexplained accumulation of money or gifts
• child being in contact with a person known or suspected of child sexual abuse.
Indicators in parents, care-givers, siblings, relatives, acquaintances or
strangers
• exposing the child to prostitution or pornography or using a child for
pornographic purposes
“I was sexually
abused by my
foster father when
I was eight years
old. The abuse was
only happening
once in a while for
the first three years
and it was just
tickling, touching,
kissing. But as soon
as I turned eleven
years old, it started
happening once a
week, whenever I
was left alone with
him.
I talked to my
foster mother
about what was
happening, but
she said I was just
making trouble. I
used to have visits
from a welfare
woman from the
Department of
Aboriginal Affairs,
so I told her but
she did not do
anything.
When I turned
thirteen, I was
being abused by my
foster brother as
well.
The only thing I
could do was fight
back. They said I
was too violent so
they sent me to an
institution. I know
now that I was just
really confused
about what was
happening to
me and no one
believing me.”
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• intentional exposure of child to sexual behaviour of others
• previously committed or suspected of child sexual abuse
• trying to prevent or being jealous of age-appropriate development of
independence from the family
• coercing the child to engage in sexual behaviour with other children
• verbal threats of sexual abuse
• denial of adolescent’s pregnancy by one or more family members
• scenes of family violence and child abuse, especially physical abuse
• neglect of child.
There are various ways a known or suspected case of child sexual abuse may come to
your attention:
It is an imperative
people to do not
confront a person
they suspect of
abuse, or discuss
what a child has
disclosed, with
this suspected
person. It creates
a risk for the
child’s ongoing
safety.
1. The child discloses by telling you or someone else that he/she has been
sexually abused. This may happen in a roundabout way i.e. the child may say a
friend has been sexually abused, hiding the fact that it is actually themselves.
2. The child behaves in a way which may indicate that he/she is a victim of sexual
abuse. Behaviour may be the only way a child can express their distress about
what is happening because they are under pressure not to tell.
3. The child complains of, or shows physical signs of sexual abuse.
4. A person is seen/discovered/discloses committing a sexual act with a child.
(Hunter 2011)
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child sexual abuse
How should we respond to a suspected or known
case of child sexual abuse?
We have already talked about how we should respond if we suspect child sexual abuse.
The discussion below is similar but more detailed.
Finding out or suspecting that a child is being, or has been, sexually abused can be a
very stressful and fearful experience, particularly if you are a parent, caregiver or family
to the child. Your first feeling may be shock, or maybe that you had felt somewhere deep
down that something wasn’t right. You may not want to believe it, you may feel disgust,
anger, sadness, don’t know what to do, want to get your brothers and ‘sort out’ the
perpetrator, shame and guilt. Maybe you want to pretend that it hasn’t happened.
How you react to the child is critical as to how they feel about themselves. If the child
senses horror or anger, this might reinforce their fear of talking about it and their feelings
of guilt and shame. This will prevent them from feeling safe and may close them off.
Remain calm (even though it may not be how you are feeling) and reassure the child.
•
It is very important to believe the child, even if you suspect the child may be
making a false claim.
If you suspect a case of child sexual abuse, first remember:
•
You may not want to get involved — but it is important that you do something
about your concerns.
•
Reporting child abuse in any form is everyone’s responsibility — it is not just the
responsibility of those mandated to report such as teachers, doctors, nurses and
social workers. It is the responsibility of all members of the community to keep
our kids safe and take appropriate action when we suspect abuse has occurred.
•
Talk with a suitable professional (a social worker, nurse, teacher, child care
worker, doctor) for the sake of the child’s safety, who will then follow up the
concerns and notify your state child protection authority.
Alternatively:
•
If you are feeling confident about your concerns, you can make your own direct
notification to your state child protection authority yourself (see Section E on
Page 83 for a list of contacts in your state or territory). You can choose whether
you want to remain anonymous or be identified.
•
It is your responsibility to notify, but it is not your role to undertake an
investigation. Your role is to listen to support and comfort the child throughout
the investigation process.
•
People who do make a formal complaint don’t have to prove the abuse — they
only need to be worried about a child and want the child to be safe.
•
Child protection workers first try to keep the families together wherever it is
possible. They aim to assist the children and families without judging them.
•
People may get a shock if a complaint comes their way. But after the shock, if
“Child abuse,
particularly
child sexual
abuse, relies
on secrecy…
Children learn
at a very young
age to hide what
is happening
to them… By
telling the child:
“I can’t make that
promise, but I can
tell you I will do
my best to keep
you safe” you can
reassure the child
and encourage
him or her to
speak out about
abuse”
(Hunter 2011)
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child sexual abuse
they have nothing to hide, then they should be happy to help.
•
Do not confront, contact or discuss the disclosure with the person you suspect
of abusive behaviour.
•
If the person you suspect is a co-worker, you should discuss disclosure with a
senior staff member.
•
You should keep a record of the events surrounding the disclosure.
The best way to help a child who discloses they have been sexually abused is to:
• remain calm — do not express shock, panic or disbelief as the child may take
this as a sign they have done something wrong
•
believe the child, reassure them, let them know that telling was the right thing to do
•
find a private place to talk
•
use the child’s vocabulary and encourage them to discuss — or draw — their
feelings
•
reassure the child that it is not his/her fault and that other children share similar
problems
•
do not push for details of the abuse/neglect. The child will face interviews after
referral to the relevant protective service agency in your state/territory
•
explain to the child that support and protection is available to them
•
do not confront the parents or person you suspect of abusing the child. It may
give them a chance to manipulate the situation to their advantage
•
do not make promises you cannot keep to the child such as promise to the
child that you will keep sexual abuse a secret
•
seek expert advice
•
inform the child of the action you will take and let them know what is likely to
happen
•
be aware that the child may take back or change their story. This can happen
for many different reasons and you should be prepared to believe the first
disclosure.
Principles for intervention
You may be worried about bringing the government into your children’s and family’s lives,
and this understandable. You may fear children being taken, that police and courts don’t
do anything or that your child and family will be publicly shamed. Agencies are there
to help and support you to stop the abuse, heal the family and keep children safe. It is
recommended to also seek out your state or territory Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
Association (AICCA) — see Section D.
Sexually-abused children and their families may need the help and support from a
number of different agencies and services. Effective intervention and child protection
services are child-centred, involve different teams of people and guided by the following
principles:
54
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•
Child sexual abuse is a legal crime and a cultural crime.
•
Child sexual abuse is unacceptable.
•
All children have a right to be safe and protected from sexual abuse.
•
A child should always be taken seriously if they allege sexual abuse.
•
Intervention should aim to promote the relationship between the child and
non-abusing parent(s)/carer(s).
•
Children who have been sexually abused have the right and need to be in a
safe, supportive environment. They also have the right to legal and protective
intervention and to counselling and treatment services.
•
The first priority of intervention should always be to protect the child and to
promote their recovery.
Parents and families can also help by being part of something (an advisory or
reference group) to make services and agencies respond better to child sexual
abuse in the community. Those who work with children and families must ensure
that the best possible systems are developed to keep communities safe from child
sexual abuse.
Important messages to remember about child sexual abuse:
•
It happens in all types of families, to children of all ages, and girls are far more
likely to experience it.
•
Children are often sexually abused by someone that they know — family,
friends of the family or a neighbour.
•
Child sexual abuse is never the child’s fault, and it shatters a child’s trust.
•
Children lack adult knowledge about sex and sexual relations, even though
they may have witnessed it and therefore cannot legally give their consent.
Children also do not understand the social meaning of sexuality and its
potential consequences.
•
People who sexually abuse children are not noticeably different. They have
families, jobs and may be very respected members of the community.
•
More than 90% of sexual abuse is committed by males.
•
Many commit their first child sex offence during adolescence and usually
continue until they are caught.
•
Child sexual abuse may occur once, or many times over a period of months or
years. Though it is rare for sexual offence to be a one-off occurrence.
•
A child, may be sexually abused by more than one person, either at the same
time or over a period of time.
•
Without assessment and intervention, adolescent males with sexually abusive
behaviours may continue into these behaviours into adulthood.
•
While the near majority of all abuse is committed by males, women are also
known to sexually abuse children.
55
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child sexual abuse
How can we help to prevent child sexual abuse?
A 27-YEAR-OLD
WOMAN SAYS ...
“I was abused by
my cousin’s de
facto husband
when I was
thirteen.
They asked me
not to report it
because I would
only make trouble
for them.
I still have some
very bad feelings
about what he
did. The only
way I find myself
dealing with it is
by drinking, drugs
or pills.
I have two sons
of my own now
and I find myself
watching anybody
who touches
them, even my
own brothers,
who I know would
not do anything
to them. But I
am still afraid for
them.
This has made
trouble with my
family because I
can only talk to
them when I am
drunk”.
Parents or carers often can’t be around to protect their children 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. However, it is possible to greatly reduce the risk of children experiencing
sexual abuse by teaching them ways to increase their personal safety. Children are taught
rules about traffic, fire, water and safety from an early age. In a similar way children can
be taught ways and rules to keep themselves safe from sexual abuse. Kindergartens and
schools may offer some sort of protective behaviours program (teaching children about
ways to keep themselves safe), and parents and families can reinforce this education at
home.
How can children learn to protect themselves?
Many of us find it difficult to talk to children openly about how to protect themselves
from sexual abuse. It helps by including the topic in a general discussion about safety,
for example, roads, fire and strangers. To help children protect themselves from sexual
abuse, they need to know and understand about personal safety.
Four basic elements of personal safety programs for children are:
• body ownership/body knowledge
• building self-esteem
• training for assertiveness
• teaching self-protective skills and behaviours.
The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN 2009)
recommend the following basic personal safety principles:
• Teach children about touch. Most sexual abuse involves inappropriate touching
or fondling of the child. Children need to know how to identify when and how
people can touch them and when and how they can touch others.
• Teach children to trust their feelings and instincts. Children have a good
natural sense when something is wrong. Encourage them to trust their feelings,
whether good, bad or confusing.
• Teach children when to say NO to adults. Children are taught to be polite and
obey and respect adults, especially elders. They must also be taught that there
are times they should say no to an adult if they need to protect themselves
from danger or an unpleasant situation.
• Teach children that they own their bodies. It doesn’t take children long to learn
the meaning of “mine” as it applies to possessions such as toys or food. It is
from this time they should learn to own their bodies and decide when they
want to be touched and by who. They need to know they have the right to
privacy in dressing, bathing and sleeping.
• Teach children to leave an uncomfortable situation. Children have the right and
need to feel safe and should be taught to remove themselves as quickly as
possible from any person who makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened.
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• Teach children about inappropriate secrets. Sexual abuse depends largely on
the child being persuaded, threatened or coerced into not telling about the
abuse. Children need to learn that secrets which frighten or hurt them should
not or do not have to be kept. For more information, see NAPCAN (2009)
Keeping Children Safe from Sexual Abuse.
• Teach children about people who can support them. Children should be
helped to identify people who they can turn to if they are touched or treated
in an inappropriate way. They should be taught to expect that adults will
protect them and also should be encouraged to keep telling other adults their
experience if initial attempts fail.
What other ways can parents/carers protect their children?
• Know where and with whom your child is playing and hanging out with.
• Be aware of people who may be staying with you. Be careful with baby-sitters
and be cautious about where your child stays overnight.
• Listen to your child. Listen to what she or he is not saying. Simple statements
like “I don’t want to visit Grandpa or Uncle” should be discussed further.
• Define family rules or boundaries, such as all family members must respect
individual rights to privacy in dressing, bathing and sleeping.
• Teach proper names of body parts. This gives your child language for
understanding and telling and helps them to feel comfortable about their body.
• Regularly talk about personal safety as a total family. Remind children they
have your permission to tell if abuse happens to them.
• Check to see if your children understand your teaching by asking “what if”
questions. Listen closely to their answers.
• Not talking about child abuse means your child will be at risk from it.
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ANOTHER
14-YEAR-OLD
SAYS ...
“My mother’s
boyfriend has been
sexually abusing me
for seven years. I
am now fourteen.
It was happening at
least once a week,
and as I got older
sometimes twice a
week. My mother
would not go out
and leave me and
my older sister and
brother at home
with him.
He did not seem to
worry them, only
me.
It started off
with touching
and kissing and
finally when I was
eleven, he got into
bed with me and
had intercourse
with me. This
went on for three
years until I was
fourteen. I ran
away from home.
I have tried to
speak to my
mother about what
was happening
but she seemed
to think I was just
trying to make
trouble for her.
So I have never
spoken to anyone
until now.”
58
aboriginal and islander child care agencies child
protection overview mandatory reporting of alleged
section
child abuse or neglect child protection and mandatory
reporting legislation aboriginal and islander child
care agencies child protection overview mandatory
reporting of alleged child abuse or neglect child
protection and mandatory reporting legislation
D
reporting child protection matters
SECTION D
This section provides information on the formal processes for reporting suspected cases
of child abuse and neglect in each state and territory. It includes information on the laws
and definitions of child abuse and neglect, and who is compelled to report possible
cases under mandatory reporting requirements.
Suspected cases of child abuse and neglect should be reported and it is important
that people making reports understand the child protection system. This includes what
happens to the person making the report, the child or children involved and the families
involved.
The material on the following pages is extracted from the AIHW report Child Protection
Australia 2010-11, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2012. Child Welfare series
no. 53. Cat. no. CWS 41. Canberra: AIHW. For more detailed information about child
protection statistics and policy for each state and territory access the full version of the
AIHW report at http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737421016
Child protection overview
In Australia, statutory child protection is the responsibility of state and territory
governments. Each state and territory department responsible for child protection
provides assistance to vulnerable children who are suspected of being abused,
neglected, or otherwise harmed, or whose parents are unable to provide adequate care
or protection.
A number of government and non-government organisations share a common duty of
care towards the protection of children. Departments responsible for child protection
investigate, process and oversee the handling of child protection cases. Assistance is
provided to children and their families through the provision of, or referral to, a wide
range of services.
Mandatory reporting
All jurisdictions have legislative requirements governing the reporting of suspected
child abuse. In some jurisdictions, only those in selected professions are mandated
to report suspected child abuse or neglect, whereas in other jurisdictions anyone who
suspects child abuse or neglect is legally obliged to report it to the appropriate authority.
Commonwealth legislation (Family Law Act 1975) also contains provisions mandating
certain court personnel to report suspected incidences of child abuse.
See page 68 in this section for more detail on mandatory reporting.
Notifications
The policies that provide the framework for assessing child protection notifications
vary broadly across jurisdictions. For example, in some jurisdictions, such as Tasmania
and the Australian Capital Territory, all contacts to the department regarding concerns
for children are immediately classified as notifications. In other jurisdictions, such as
60
SECTION D
New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, a screening process occurs where
reports relating to concerns about children are first classified as ‘child and young person
concerns’. These concerns are then further assessed to determine the appropriate action
Substantiation threshold
Thresholds for what is substantiated vary — some jurisdictions substantiate the harm
or risk of harm to the child, and others substantiate actions by parents or incidents that
cause harm. In considering harm to the child, the focus of the child protection systems
in many jurisdictions has shifted away from the actions of parents to the outcomes for
the child.
In addition to variation in policy at the jurisdictional level the definition of what constitutes
child abuse and neglect has also broadened at a national level over time (AIFS: Bromfield
& Holzer 2008b).
Child protection reporting processes
Irrespective of the policy and legislative differences between jurisdictions, the main
processes in child protection systems across Australia are similar. A simplified version of
these processes is shown in Figure 1.1 on Page 62
Child protection intake processes
Child concern reports
Children in need of protection can come into contact with departments responsible for
child protection through a number of avenues. Reports of concern about a child may be
made by community members, professionals (for example police or health practitioners),
organisations, the child themselves, their parent(s) or another relative. These reports may
relate to abuse and neglect or to broader family concerns such as economic problems
or social isolation.
Child protection intake services across states and territories screen incoming reports
to determine whether further action is required. The defined threshold for intervention
varies across jurisdictions and this can lead to jurisdictional differences in the responses
taken to initial reports. Reports that are deemed to require further action are generally
classified as either a ‘family support issue’ or a ‘child protection notification’.
Reports classified as requiring family support are further assessed and may be referred
to support services. The national child protection data collection does not include those
reports that are not classified as child protection notifications.
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Fig 1.1 The child protection process in Australia
!
Report to state and territory child protection and support services
Universal prevention
Universal
prevention
services
services
Report concerns the
welfare of a child
(intake)
Other (advice and
referrals as required)
Child protection
notification
Child protection
notification not
recorded (advice and
referrals as required)
Investigation
Not investigated (dealt
with by other means)
Substantiation
Not substantiated
Secondary support
services
Secondary
support
services
Is the child
safe?
Yes
Provision of case
management and/or
referrals as required
Intensive family
support
services
Intensive
family
support
services
No
Care and protection order
and case management
Out-of-home
care
Other (including
independent living,
living at home)
If the child is safe,
case closed and exit
from system
1.
Shaded boxes are items for which data are collected nationally.
2.
Dashed lines indicate that clients may or may not receive these services, depending on need, service availability, and client willingness to
participate in what are voluntary services.
3.
Support services include family preservation and reunification services provided by government departments responsible for child
protection and other agencies. Children and families move in and out of these services and the statutory child protection system, and might
also be in the statutory child protection system while receiving support services.
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Child protection statutory processes
Notifications, investigations and substantiations
Child protection notifications are dealt with through a separate process that could
include an investigation and/or referral to support services. The aim of an investigation
is to determine whether notifications are ‘substantiated’ or ‘not substantiated’. A
substantiation indicates there is sufficient reason following the investigation to believe
the child has been, is being, or is likely to be, abused, neglected or otherwise harmed.
An appropriate level of continued involvement by the child protection and family support
services then occurs, including the provision of support and treatment to children and
families.
Care and protection orders and out-of-home care placements
In situations where further intervention is required, the child may be placed on a care and
protection order and/or in out-of-home care (including foster care and relative/kinship
care). Children and families may be referred to family support services at any time during
the child protection process.
Children who are in need of care and protection
If, after thorough assessment, it is determined that there has been harm, or there is risk
of harm, to a child or children, state and territory child protection and support services
will generally have continued involvement with the family. The relevant department will
attempt to ensure safety of the child or children through the provision of appropriate
support services to the child and family. In situations where further intervention is
required, the department may apply to the relevant court to place the child on a care
and protection order. Recourse to the court is usually a last resort — for example, where
the families are unable to provide safe care, where other avenues for resolution of the
situation have been exhausted, or where extended family is unable to provide safe
alternatives for care of children.
In most jurisdictions, the relevant department makes applications for care and protection
orders to the Children’s Court. In South Australia, applications are made to the Youth Court
and in the Northern Territory to the Family Matters Court. A small number of applications
may also be brought before the Family Court, or the state or territory Supreme Court,
but orders granted by these courts are only included for some jurisdictions. Not all
applications for an order will be granted. State and territory child protection and support
services may also need to assume responsibility for children and place them on a care
and protection order for reasons other than a child protection substantiation. This may
occur in situations where there is family conflict and ‘time out’ is needed, where there is
an irretrievable breakdown in the relationship between the child and his or her parents,
or where the parents are unwilling or unable to adequately care for the child.
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Children subject to orders
This covers any child on an order or other formal arrangement. And comprises children
aged 0–17 on the following care and protection orders/arrangements:
Care and protection orders
At any point in the child protection process (from notification, through investigation to
substantiation), the department responsible for child protection can apply to the relevant
court to place a child on a care and protection order. Such action is usually taken only as
a last resort in situations where the department believes that continued involvement with
the child is warranted. This may occur in situations where the family resists supervision
and counselling, where other avenues for resolution of the situation have been exhausted,
or where removal of a child into out-of-home care requires legal authorisation. The scope
of departmental involvement mandated by a care and protection order is dependent on
the type of order.
National Definitions
Finalised guardianship or custody orders
These orders involve the transfer of legal guardianship to the relevant state or territory
department or non-government agency. These orders involve considerable intervention
in the child’s life and that of their family, and are sought only as a last resort. Guardianship
orders convey responsibility for the welfare of the child to the guardian (for example,
regarding the child’s education, health, religion, accommodation and financial matters).
They do not necessarily grant the right to the daily care and control of the child, or the
right to make decisions about the daily care and control of the child, which are granted
under custody orders.
Custody orders generally refer to orders that place children in the custody of the state
or territory, or department responsible for child protection or non-government agency.
These orders usually involve the child protection department being responsible for the
daily care and requirements of the child, while the parent retains legal guardianship.
Custody alone does not bestow any responsibility regarding the long-term welfare of the
child.
Finalised third-party parental responsibility
Transfer all duties, powers, responsibilities and authority parents are entitled to by law, to
a nominated person(s) considered appropriate by the court. The nominated person may
be an individual such as a relative or an officer of the state or territory department. Thirdparty parental responsibility may be ordered in the event that a parent is unable to care
for a child, and as such parental responsibility is transferred to a relative. ‘Permanent
care orders’ are an example of a third-party parental responsibility order and involve
the transfer of guardianship to a third-party carer. Such orders can also be applied to
the achievement of a stable arrangement under a long-term guardianship order to the
age of 18 without guardianships being transferred to a third party. These orders are only
applicable in some jurisdictions.
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Finalised supervisory orders
Give the department responsible for child protection some responsibility for a child’s
welfare. Under these orders, the department supervises and/or directs the level and
type of care that is to be provided to the child. Children under supervisory orders are
generally under the responsibility of their parents and the guardianship or custody of the
child is unaffected.
Finalised supervisory orders are therefore less interventionist than finalised guardianship
or custody orders, but require the child’s parent or guardian to meet specified conditions,
such as medical care of the child.
Interim and temporary orders
Generally cover the provisions of a limited period of
supervision and/or placement of a child. Parental
responsibility under these orders may reside with the
parents or with the department responsible for child
protection. Unfinalised orders (such as applications to the
court for care and protection orders) are also included in
this category, unless another finalised order is in place.
Administrative arrangements
Agreements with the child protection departments, which
have the same effect as a court order of transferring
custody or guardianship. These arrangements can also
allow a child to be placed in out-of-home care without going
through the courts.
Types of living arrangements
(a) Residential care
Where the placement is in a residential building
whose purpose is to provide placements for
children and where there are paid staff.
(b) Family group homes
Provide care to children in a departmentally or
community sector agency provided home. These
homes have live-in, non-salaried carers who are
reimbursed and/or subsidised for the provision of
care.
(c) Home-based out-of-home care
Where placement is in the home of a carer who is
reimbursed (or who has been offered but declined
reimbursement) for the cost of care of the child
including:
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SECTION D
(i) relatives or kin who are reimbursed (other than parents) by the state/
territory for the care of the child
(ii) foster care — where the caregiver is authorised and reimbursed (or was
offered but declined reimbursement) by the state/territory for the care of
the child (excludes relatives/kin who are reimbursed). There are varying
degrees of reimbursement made to foster carers
(iii) other home-based care out-of-home care.
(d) Family care — including:
(i) parents — (natural or adoptive)
(ii) relatives or kin who are NOT reimbursed (other than parents).
(e) Independent living
Including private board and lead tenant households.
(f) Other living arrangements
Including living arrangements that don’t fit into the above categories
and unknown living arrangements. The other category also includes any
placements made in disability services, psychiatric services, juvenile justice
facilities, Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) and overnight child-care services, boarding schools, hospitals, hotels/motels and
defence force. These living arrangements may have rostered and/or paid staff,
and are generally not a home-like environment.
Policy and practice differences in states and
territories
Notifications, investigations and substantiations
Although there are differences between states and territories that affect the comparability
of the data on children in out-of-home care and on care and protection orders, the
differences between jurisdictions are greatest in relation to child protection notifications,
investigations and substantiations.
One of the main differences between jurisdictions is in the policy frameworks used by
states and territories in relation to notifications. In some jurisdictions, such as New South
Wales, under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 reports to
Community Services relating to abuse by a stranger may be classified as a notification,
but in other jurisdictions they are not.
•
66
In New South Wales, all reports received at the Child Protection Helpline
and classified as ‘child and young person concern’ reports are screened to
determine whether or not they reach the ‘risk of significant harm’ (the statutory
threshold) and to determine the appropriate action and response priority
timeframe. Where a report does not meet the risk of significant harm threshold,
information on alternative referral pathways will be offered where possible.
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•
In Victoria, the definition of a ‘notification’ is very broad and includes some
reports that may not be classified as a notification in other jurisdictions. With
the enactment of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 in Victoria in April
2007, this process changed to receipt of a ‘report’, which will then be classified
into a child wellbeing report or a protective intervention report.
•
Queensland and South Australia screen reports and can refer cases to
other agencies or provide family support services if it is assessed that a
child protection investigation is not required to protect a child from abuse or
neglect. This approach, which is referred to as a differential response, relies on
voluntary participation from families. It seeks to consider lower-level needs and
risks without the need for families to enter or further enter into the statutory
child protection system.
•
The above is also true for Western Australia, except for mandatory reports of
child sexual abuse, which are classified as child protection notifications without
prior screening.
•
Tasmania also has a differential response, with members of the public and
mandated reporters being able to report care and protection concerns to
Community Based Intake Services (known as Gateway Services) or to Child
Protection Intake. All reports to Child Protection Intake about the safety or
wellbeing of a child are recorded as notifications. Reports to the Gateway
Services are not recorded as notifications unless they are referred to Child
Protection Intake for intervention.
•
In 2002, the Australian Capital Territory screened reports in a similar manner
to South Australia and Queensland, but in 2003 the definition was changed
to incorporate all contacts regarding concerns for children as child protection
reports. With the introduction of the Children and Young People Act 2008,
notifications continue to include child concerns and child protection reports.
In addition to the above summary from the AIHW report, the relationship between outof-home care and education is an important area of consideration for children in need.
Education and children on protection orders and out-of-home care.
The movement of children into out-of-home care impacts on their opportunity to
access education. Consistent access to schooling while moving between residences
and guardians/family is all the more difficult for children given their experiences of
disadvantage, violence and abuse. There are dangers for children continuing their
schooling when they are at risk of abuse from a family member or person who knows the
school the child attends. Students in this position have unique needs requiring planning
and the concerted input of those around them.
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Each state and territory has taken initiative to respond to the issues children face in
continuing education while in this situation. Keeping an education for children in out-ofhome care is based around partnerships. Largely this includes shared information and
shared responsibility for young people between government education departments,
organisations and child protective services.
Most state and territories have legislation that explicitly covers the need for organisation
between child protective workers and education departments/institutions, in terms of
the inclusion of educator participation in the young person’s care team meetings. Some
jurisdictions in Australia also have partnership agreements in place, such as the NSW
Department of Education and Community policy for out-of-home care in government
schools. This policy details the requirements relating to children and young people
in statutory out-of-home care who are also attending government schools. Western
Australian children in out-of-home care should have their education needs met through
documented plans, of which protocols are in place between the Department of Child
Protection and Government, Independent and Catholic Schools, and the Department
of Education and Training. This is similar with the Tasmanian Department of Education
and Department of Health and Human Services Partnering Agreement, which details
the responsibilities of each in terms of caring for young people. Victoria has established
a partnership between the Department of Human Services and the Department of
Education to prioritise education for young people in out-of-home care.
Mandatory reporting of alleged child abuse or neglect
Report originally prepared by The National Children’s and Youth Law Centre.
This section provides a brief guide to workers who, because of their professions, may
come into contact with children who may suffer abuse or neglect, as to their legal
obligations regarding mandatory reporting in each state and territory.
SNAICC gratefully acknowledges this work by The National Children’s and Youth Law
Centre (NCYLC), which is the only Australian national community legal centre for children
and young people. The intention of the centre is to provide advocacy, education and
information services for Australia’s children and young people. The cornerstone of
the centre’s efforts is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and its
mandate in promoting understanding and adherence to children’s rights as fundamental
human rights. The NCYLC seeks to empower children and young people, providing them
with the informational and support tools necessary to assist them to make informed
personal choices. Website: www.ncylc.org.au/
Child abuse reporting lines are listed in Section E of this handbook.
Background to mandatory reporting
Mandatory reporting refers to the legal obligation on certain professionals to report to
either police or child protection authorities, concerns, suspicions or beliefs that certain
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children with whom they have contact may be suffering some form of abuse, mistreatment
or neglect.
Mandatory reporting has been the focus of significant debate in Australia. The argument
to impose mandatory reporting requirements rests on the fact that some people, by virtue
of their occupations, have special knowledge about the welfare of children. Advocates of
mandatory reporting assert that it is likely to increase the protection available to children
as part of the larger scheme of child abuse prevention.
All states and territories have legislation mandating reporting of child maltreatment,
abuse or neglect to community service departments. In most states and territories, there
are several professions involved with children that are mandated to report, although
anyone in the NT who has a reason to believe that a child is being abused must report it.
Generally, those mandated to report are the people who, in the course of their profession,
see children on a regular basis, such as teachers, doctors, health and welfare workers.
To lodge a report, the mandated person needs to either reasonably suspect, reasonably
believe, or know that any form of violence, abuse, neglect or maltreatment is occurring,
or is likely to occur. Then, they must share the details with the relevant government
department. Those who divulge concerns of violence against children are protected
from criminal and civil liability if the report is based on reasonable grounds. If a notifier’s
identity were disclosed automatically, the resultant lack of trust in that person would
prevent them from accessing information about children in the future. It is crucial to
preserve an element of anonymity (except in some circumstances) to be able better to
monitor children’s domestic situations.
No legislation requires that it is necessary to prove that the abuse occurred, is occurring,
or will occur. It is sufficient that the notifier either has reasonable suspicion or reasonable
belief depending on the details of the reporting requirements of the state/territory.
Who is mandated to report?
Reports of actual or alleged child maltreatment must be made by certain classes of
people to their assigned child protection authority.
However, if there is an immediate and life-threatening concern that cannot be
dealt with in time by the respective authority call 000 and report the situation as
an emergency.
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STATE-TERRITORY
70
MANDATED PARTIES
Australian Capital
Territory
Doctors, dentists, nurses, enrolled nurses, midwives, teachers,
teacher’s assistants and paid aides, people providing
education to children and young people (registered or
provisionally registered) for home schooling, police, children’s
and school counselors, child care centre workers, home-based
child care workers, public servants working with children,
public advocates, workers who have contact, or provide
services to children, young people and their families; and
official visitors to places where children and young people are
detained in detention, confined at a therapeutic protection
place, or accommodated in a place of care.
New South Wales
Medical practitioners, anyone who in the course of their work or
other paid employment delivers health care, welfare, education,
children’s services, residential services or law enforcement
wholly or partly to children under 16; and anyone who holds a
management position in an organisation the duties of which
include direct responsibility for or direct supervision of a person
referred to in the abovementioned fields of work, who has
reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is at risk of harm.
Northern Territory
Any person who reasonably believes a child has been or is
likely to be, harmed or exploited must notify Northern Territory
Families and Children or a police officer. Additionally registered
health practitioners haven the added responsibility to report to
the Department or police if they believe on reasonable grounds
that a child aged 14 or 15 has been or is likely to be experience
a sexual offence and the age difference between the child and
the sexual offender is greater than 2 years.
Queensland
Authorised officers, employees of the Department of
Communities involved in administrating the Child Protection
Act 1999, people employed in a departmental care service or
licensed care service who becomes aware of, or reasonably
suspects harm to, a child in the care of a departmental care
service or a licensee, staff of the Commission for Children
and Young People and Child Guardian, a doctor or registered
nurse who becomes aware, or reasonably suspects, during
the practice of his or her profession that a child has been, is
being or is likely to be harmed, family court personnel and
counsellors who suspect child abuse.
South Australia
Medical practitioners; nurses; dentists; pharmacists;
psychologists; police officers; community corrections
officers; social workers; ministers of religion; persons who
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are employees of or volunteers in an organisation formed
for religious or spiritual purposes; teachers; family day care
providers; and employees of, or volunteers in, government or
non-government organisations (including local government)
that provide health, welfare, education, sporting or
recreational, child care or residential services wholly or partly
for children (if the person is engaged in the actual delivery of
the service to children or holds a management position that
include direct responsibility for, or direct supervision of, the
provision of those services to children).
Tasmania
Legislation in Tasmania emphasises
that everyone in the community has
a responsibility to ensure children are
safe and protected. Registered medical
practitioners, nurses, dentists, police officers,
psychologists, departmental employees
within the Police Regulation Act 1898,
probation officers, school principals and
teachers, persons who manage child care
services or provide child care for a fee or
reward, and employees and volunteers in
government agencies or government-funded
agencies that provide health, welfare,
education, or care wholly or partly for
children are ‘prescribed persons’ and must report cases of
child abuse, neglect a child affected by family violence to Child
Protection Services or to Community-Based Intake Services
including in concerns in relation to pregnant women if the
notifier believes there is a likelihood of abuse or neglect once
the child is born.
Victoria
Doctors, nurses and police, primary and secondary school
teachers and principals, a person with a post-secondary
qualification in the care, education or minding of children who is
employed by, a children’s service; a person with a post-secondary
qualification in youth, social or welfare work who works in
the health, education or community or welfare services field;
registered psychologists, youth justice officers, youth parole
officers.
Western Australia
Police officers, teachers, doctors, nurses and midwives
are required to make a report to the Department for Child
Protection if they form a belief, on reasonable grounds, in
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the course of their work, that a child has been the subject of
sexual abuse, court personnel, counsellors and mediators
to report allegations or suspicions of child abuse in Family
Court cases, licensed providers of child care, family day
care, outside school hours family day care or outside-schoolhours care services to report abuse that occurs in a child
care service. Protocols exist between the Department of
Health, Department for Child Protection and the Western
Australia Police, requiring the reporting of incidents of sexually
transmitted infections in children aged under 14 and in children
aged 14 and over where it is believed the infection occurred
through abuse.
Do I tell the family?
There is no obligation to inform the child’s family about the report. However, there are
several matters for you to consider about whether you inform the family of your actions
for the child.
• Many families are shocked when they first hear of the notification, and
often respond by trying to guess the notifier. Whether they guess correctly
or incorrectly, there is likely to be a sense of betrayal. It is found that the
relationship with the client is more likely to be saved if the intention to notify
and the reasons for doing so are discussed.
• Protection of the child is paramount. It is important to ensure the child is
not exposed to an increased risk of harm by warning the offender or family
members of the report. Also, notification might jeopardise your safety, which is
clearly inadvisable.
• Not all matters will be investigated; it is pointless causing undue distress by
telling the family, when no action is likely to be taken.
• If allegations are serious and possibly criminal, the evidence may become
contaminated by your intervention in this way.
Therefore it is recommended that you contact the relevant community service department
before making any decision to inform the family of the notification.
When must I make a report?
• Reports of alleged child maltreatment must be made to the relevant
department as soon as possible.
• The grounds differ between the states and territories in their requirements
either for belief, suspicion or knowledge of abuse.
• The basis for the report is the same in all states and territories, in that they
must all be founded on reasonable grounds.
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• In all states and territories the suspicion, belief or knowledge to be reported
is that which arises as a result of the carrying out official duties rather than
information gathered from one’s private life. In the Northern Territory there are
obligations for mandatory reporting in both professional capacity and for every
Territorian.
• In each case the circumstances justifying the report will be for the protection of
the child based on maltreatment that has already occurred, is still occurring or
is likely to occur in the future. There are also a range of penalties for failing to
report concerns, or where concerns are not reported in good faith.
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What must I report?
74
STATE/TERRITORY
MALTREATMENT TO BE REPORTED
Australian Capital
Territory
Sexual abuse or non-accidental physical injury
New South Wales
Reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is at risk of
significant harm.
Northern Territory
Any belief that a child has been or is likely to be a victim
of a sexual offence or suffer harm or exploitation, along
with any knowledge or factual grounds for forming that
belief. For registered health professionals, reasonable
grounds to believe a child aged 14 or 15 years has been
or is likely to experience a sexual offence and the age
difference between the child and offender is greater than
2 years.
Queensland
Physical, psychological, emotional abuse or neglect,
sexual abuse or exploitation. Awareness or reasonable
suspicion a child has suffered harm, is suffering harm, or
is at unacceptable risk of suffering harm; and the child
does not have a parent able and willing to protect the
child from the harm.
South Australia
Injury, abuse, neglect including sexual, physical or
emotional abuse or neglect of the child. Reasonable
grounds that a child has been or is being abused or
neglected; and the suspicion is formed in the course of
the person’s work (whether paid or voluntary) or carrying
out official duties.
Tasmania
Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional/psychological
abuse, neglect and exposure to family violence. A belief
or suspicion, or on reasonable grounds or knowledge
that: a child has, or is being abused or neglected or is an
affected child within the meaning of the Family Violence
Act 2004; or there is a reasonable likelihood of a child
being killed or abused or neglected by a person with
whom the child resides.
Victoria
In the course of work, belief on reasonable grounds is
formed that a child is in need of protection because they
have suffered, or are likely to suffer significant harm as
a result of physical injury and/or sexual abuse and the
child’s parents have not protected, or are unlikely to
protect, the child from this harm.
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What are ‘reasonable grounds’?
• In New South Wales the requirements are around children ‘at risk of significant
harm’. By this the NSW government advises ‘significant’ may reasonably be
considerable and noticeable harmful effects on the young person.
• Reasonable grounds relate to the foundation of the report made to the relevant
department.
• The basis of any report must stem from information derived from your own
observations of the child’s physical condition or behaviour, something that the
child might tell you, or information gained from any other person.
• In order to report any concerns you might have, there is a need to recognise
and understand abuse and neglect. In most situations, abuse is not an isolated
event, but a pattern of behaviour occurring over a period of time.
• Abuse falls into four categories: physical, emotional, sexual and neglect.
Although each is independent, children may suffer a combination of these
categories.
• There are an array of indicators providing insight into possible abuse. These
are outlined in Section B and Section C of this handbook.
What happens next?
Investigations
Not every report will be investigated. The critical factors in deciding whether a matter
will be investigated are that:
• the alleged incidents have caused serious harm to the child
• the child is likely to suffer further harm without the intervention of the statutory
authority; and
• there are sufficient resources available to ensure that the matter can be fully
and properly investigated. Investigations may be delayed until such time as
adequate resources become available.
What protection do I have?
Confidentiality and privacy
• While confidentiality and privacy require protection, they must not override the
safety of children.
• It is no defence for failure to report that “it was more important to protect client
confidentiality.”
• However, it is necessary to respect the privacy of the child and family, so
sharing of information should be strictly on a need-to-know basis.
• Notification made to the relevant department in compliance with the
reasonable grounds for making the report in good faith, and in all honesty, will
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SECTION D
not incur civil or criminal liability, and will not amount to a breach of confidence,
professional conduct, etiquette or ethics.
Disclosure of notifier’s identity
• It is not standard practice of any state or territory to seek the identity of the
person who made the report, thereby providing anonymity to the notifier.
• However, there are certain circumstances in the states and territories where
the identity of the notifier may be disclosed.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child care agencies in each state and territory
are a good source of advice on how the child protection system works in your state or
territory (see Section E for contact details).
Finally, if you are making a notification it is important to let the child protection authorities
know if you believe the child or children concerned are Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander. This is important to ensure the appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
organisations, communities and families are consulted about the best interests of the
child or children involved. Alternatively, you can call your state or territory’s AICCA with
your concerns regarding an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child (see Section E).
Age of consent
There are differences between state and territory laws in relation to the age of consent
for sex, for both homosexual sex and heterosexual sex. The following is a summary of
the laws in each states and territory.
The incorporation of age of consent laws here is to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander community organisations with the legislated measures to protect children
from being exploited and taken advantage of at a vulnerable stage of adolescence. In
accordance with the laws, it does not matter whether a person underage gives consent
for sex with an adult or older person. These state and territory laws maintain that children
covered here have not reached the age of maturity to, in effect, provide consent to sex.
Age of consent laws create a line between recognising that children are exploring their
increased independence as well as working out how to have relationships, with the other
concern of protection from exploitation during this time in children’s lives. Many of the
laws allow for some forms of relationship and sexual exploration, but prevent adults
from taking advantage of this time of adolescence (AIFS 2012). Effort has been made to
ensure the following information is up-to-date at the time of publication. Confirmation of
these state and territory laws is recommended.
NSW
16
Qld.
16
Tas.
WA
SA
NT
ACT
Vic.
17
16
17
16
16
16
*In Queensland the age of consent for all sex acts is 16, except for anal sex,
which is referred to as ‘sodomy’ in legislation, and is legal at 18 years of age.
In the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Victoria and
Western Australia the age of consent is 16.
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In the ACT and Victoria, people aged between 10 and 16 years can legally have sex with
another person as long as both consent and there is not more that 2 years difference
between them.
In NSW, the NT and WA, it is illegal for any person to have sexual intercourse with another
person who is under the age of 16 years. Additionally in Western Australia, it is illegal
to have sexual intercourse with a person aged 16 to 18 years, if the other person has a
supervisory or authoritative role over the child. This includes church leaders, teachers,
coaches, etc.
In South Australia and Tasmania the age of consent is 17.
In South Australia the law states that two people aged 16 years old who have sex
together are not committing an offence. In Tasmania, the consent of a person against
whom a crime is alleged to have been committed is a defence to a charge of unlawful
intercourse with a young person under the age of 17 years if (a) at the time the crime was
allegedly committed that person was of or above the age of 15 years and the accused
person was not more than five years older than that person; or that person was of or
above the age of 12 years and the accused person was not more than three years older
than that person.
Aboriginal and Islander child and family welfare
services
Development of Aboriginal and Islander child and family welfare
services
Specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family welfare services were first
established in the 1970s in response to family and community concerns about the removal
and institutionalisation of children. These earliest child and family welfare agencies called
themselves Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agencies (AICCAs). The first AICCAs were
established as Indigenous communities across Australia sought to prevent the ongoing
removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by state welfare authorities and
their placement with non-Aboriginal families or in state institutions.
Inspired by the success of native Americans, in particular the yakima Indian nation, in
reducing the rate of child removal, Mollie Dyer from the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
returned to Australia to establish the Victorian Aboriginal child care Agency (VACCA).
VACCA, the Aboriginal children’s Service in Redfern and the South Australia Aboriginal
child care Agency soon became models and a source of inspiration for a new way of
caring for children at risk of abuse or neglect. The establishment of similar agencies in all
other states and territories soon followed.
By 1979 the AICCAs, most still operating as voluntary associations, had decided to
develop a national organisation to represent and pursue the rights, needs and aspirations
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children.
77
SECTION D
SNAICC was established as an organisation with broad aims and objectives which
go beyond child welfare to focus on the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children and families.
Over the years local AICCA services have expanded and some have changed their name
to reflect a broader role of providing family support services. Aboriginal family Support
Service, and some AICCA services are now known as Aboriginal and Islander child and
family Welfare Services. This reflects the desire of agencies to provide a broader range
of services and programmes. Early intervention and support programes such as family
support and counselling, parenting groups and playgroups are now part of the breadth
of services provided by many agencies.
Agencies understand that the provision of early intervention programs is paramount to
combat contemporary removals and to achieve the original aim of the AICCAs — to keep
Aboriginal and Islander families together. Lead agencies in each state and territory are
listed in Section E.
There are now over 20 specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family
welfare agencies operating across Australia that originated as AICCA services. Many of
these organisations still use the term ‘AICCA’ to describe their agency. However, in most
parts of Australia there is no specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and
family welfare service. SNAICC believes specialist services and programs need to be
developed in all regions around the country to provide a relevant and localised service
to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. The work of the original
AICCA services has demonstrated that localised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
specific services are in the best position to understand and respond to the needs of local
families and children. They can provide a bridge between welfare authorities and families
to secure the best outcomes for children.
The role of AICCAs today
The aim of the AICCAs has always been to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
families to raise happy, healthy, proud, strong children — who will take pride in their
cultural heritage and identity.
While each AICCA service or other specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
child and family welfare agency is unique, all of them would provide at least one of the
following services for families:
• Recruitment, training and ongoing support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
foster carers to support children who need to be placed in out of home care.
• Placement, cultural support and supervision for children in foster care, out of
home care or kinship care.
• Provision of support and assistance to families who have voluntarily taken on the
care of other Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children from their community or kin.
• Link up programs for members of the Stolen Generations and others searching
for their family connections.
• Family reunification services for children with experience of out of home care.
78
SECTION D
• Court advocacy and support for families in relation to child protection matters
in order to determine the best interests of children.
• Emergency relief and youth accommodation services.
• Support services to prevent breakdown in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
families.
• Parenting and family support programs including family preservation and
counseling.
• Assisting families with referrals to other support services including health,
education, domestic violence and legal services.
• Family group homes and short term care for families and children in crisis.
• Community awareness campaigns on the rights and needs of children and families.
• Cross-cultural awareness advice and training to non-indigenous agencies and
government departments.
• Cultural activities and programs for children and families.
• Activities for NAIDOC and National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day.
Whilst AICCAs may work in all of these areas they are not necessarily funded for all
services. Most of the funding provided to AICCAs is from state and territory governments
and the majority of their funding is focused on the care of children after they have been
removed – rather than supporting families to stay together. This includes funding for
foster care programs and placement support. Significantly less funding is provided for
general family support, parenting programs or family reunification.
SNAICC believes that all communities need the support of holistic Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander child and family welfare agencies providing a full compliment of services
and programs as listed above. Depending upon the particular community this will require
additional funding for existing agencies to broaden their programs, the establishment of
new agencies or services in many areas, better service coordination between existing
agencies and most importantly a new approach to child protection from state and
territory welfare authorities.
Rather than state or territory welfare systems seeing Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander community based organisations as providing a service on behalf of the welfare
department, our community based services should be developed to provide protection
and welfare services instead of the welfare department.
This is what SNAICC means by community development and self-determination in
child welfare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Communities being
supported to meet their responsibility for the welfare of children, protect children from
abuse or neglect and to respond appropriately when issues of abuse or neglect are
raised and reported.
79
SECTION D
The role of AICCAs in child protection
Because AICCA services are involved with child protection and most are funded by child
welfare departments, their role can at times be confused with that of state and territory
welfare authorities. AICCA services are not responsible for investigating reported cases
of child abuse or neglect, or for making decisions in relation to the removal of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander from their families. These decisions are the responsibility of
state and territory community services, human services or welfare departments and
the relevant children’s or magistrates court in each state or territory. AICCAs such as
the Aboriginal Child, Family & Community Care State Secretariat (NSW), and Victorian
Aboriginal Child Care Agency, act as an advisory service to assist children and their
families who are in contact with the child protection system. Their work is to support the
best interests of children as community consultants.
A main objective of AICCA services is to support families, keep families together, reduce
the need for children to be removed and ensure that children are kept close to family –
and within their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community – if they are removed.
The specific role and responsibilities of each AICCA in child protection varies from state
to state, but typically includes providing community and family input into decisions
regarding the welfare of children.
This can include:
• Being informed by the state/territory department of any child abuse or neglect
investigations involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and
possibly being present to assist families when investigations take place.
• Providing advice to the relevant court on the best interests of the child before
care and protection orders are issued.
• Providing advice to the state/territory department on the most appropriate
options for placing a child or children if it has been decided they need to be
removed from home for their protection (the final decision regarding where a
child is placed is usually the responsibility of the court or department).
• Assisting states and territories to adhere to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Child Placement Principle.
• Supervising and monitoring placements to ensure children are properly cared
for when they are in out of home care.
• Administering foster care payments.
• Providing on-going advice to the department on the long term interests of
children in care and options for family reunification.
• Providing policy advice to governments on priorities for improving the child
protection system.
80
SECTION D
The role of AICCAs does not include:
• Acting as the contact point for formal notification of possible cases of child
abuse or neglect.
• Investigating possible cases of child abuse or neglect.
• Issuing care and protection orders.
• Approving, endorsing or making decisions to remove children from their
families.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle
One of the first and most important changes the AICCAs and SNAICC secured in relation
to child protection was the development and agreement by all states and territories of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle.
The principle ensures that if an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child is removed
from home then their placement must adhere to a set of priorities. These priorities were
established to serve in the best interest of the child and their needs including their
cultural, spiritual, emotional and mental wellbeing.
As was established during the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
Bringing them home: The ‘Stolen Children’ report (1997), the forced removal of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander children and their deliberate assimilation into another
community was a form of genocide.
Genocide is not only the mass killing of a people. The essence of genocide
is acting with the intention to destroy the group, not the extent to which that
intention has been achieved. A major intention of forcibly removing Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander children was to absorb, merge or assimilate them, so
Aborigines as a distinct group would disappear. Authorities sincerely believed
assimilation would be in the best interests of the children, but this is irrelevant to
a finding that their actions were genocidal.
The aim of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle is to
prevent the culturally destructive practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
being removed from home and placed long term with non-Aboriginal families.
The principle replaced the racist policies which gave rise to the Stolen Generations, and
it sets out the following priorities for the placement of children who have been removed
from their families.
Preferred placement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is to be:
• with the child’s extended family
• within the child’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community or group
• with another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family, where culturally
appropriate
• where no other option is available, with a non-Indigenous family.
81
SECTION D
When an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child is placed as a last resort with a
non-Indigenous family, an AICCA may be involved in supervising the placement to ensure
that the child is able to maintain links with their people and culture.
All states and territories have accepted the principle as either law or policy. The
following state and territory legislations express accord to these principles:
ACT: Children and Young People Act 2008, section 513
NSW: Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, part 12
sections 13
NT: Care and Protection of Children Act 2007, section 12
Qld: Child Protection Act 1999, section 83
Vic: Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, section 13
WA: Children and Community Services Act 2004, division 3, section 12
Tas: Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997, section 9 (c)
SA: Children’s Protection Act 1993, part 1, section 5(2)(c).
However up to over 30% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-ofhome care are placed with a non-Indigenous family (AIFS 2012). It is clear then, that
while all states and territories have accepted the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Child Placement Principle, significant changes to child welfare practice are required to
improve adherence to the principle.
An important feature of the principle is the requirement that culture, in the form of
cultural support plans, is incorporated into the support for children in out-of-home care.
In supporting children in care we need to ensure that the connection to culture is a
priority for protective workers. Beyond just a plan, work needs to be done to ensure the
plan is acted on. Through culture and the role models children have access to, we give
these children ongoing support and we assist in the development of resilience.
82
state and territory child protection authorities aborigin
and islander child care agencies multifunction
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services working with children and young people affecte
by family violence parent helplines aboriginal and torre
strait islander legal services legal aid commissions chi
abuse and neglect contacts and telephone numbe
related national organisations publications handbook
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agencies multifunctional aboriginal children’s service
family and domestic violence services family violenc
prevention units services working with children an
young people affected by family violence paren
helplines aboriginal and torres strait islander leg
services legal aid commissions child abuse and negle
contacts and telephone numbers related nation
organisations publications handbooks education
videos websites state and territory child protectio
authorities aboriginal and islander child care agencie
multifunctional aboriginal children’s services family an
domestic violence services family violence preventio
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affected by family violence parent helplines aborigin
E
resources and services
SECTION E
The following directory provides contact details for key organisations — national, state
and territory — working in the field of family violence and child abuse and neglect, as
well as a listing of some resources which may assist individuals, communities and
organisations.
Effort has been made to check the details of services prior to publication, however
contact details can change quickly and a number of newer services have been omitted.
SNAICC is also producing a hard copy of our comprehensive on-line services directory
which covers a fuller range of services. Copies can be downloaded or ordered on-line.
To find additional/updated service information online:
SNAICC service directory: www.snaicc.org.au
Lifeline Service Finder: www.justlook.org.au/
Contact and resource listings in this section:
Reporting child abuse and family violence and family helplines
Family and kids’ crisis and help lines
Government departments
Government departments responsible for protecting children
Services
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family and children’s services lead agencies
National services for child abuse and family violence support and prevention
Resources
Specialist book providers
Audio resources
Recent reports on family violence and sexual assault
84
SECTION E
Reporting child abuse and family violence and family
helplines resources and services
Kimberly Interpreting Service for Aboriginal
languages
Ph: 08 9192 3981
Fax: 08 9192 3982
Mobile: 0439 943 612
www.kimberleyinterpreting.org.au
Postal Address PO Box 3599, Broome WA 6725.
Office Address Unit 10 Broome Lotteries House,
Cable Beach Road, Broome
Kununurra contact:
Ph 08 91693161
Fax 08 91682639
Postal Address PO Box 133 Kununurra 6743
Office Address Button Drive Kununurra 6743
The Aboriginal Interpreter Service (NT)
Alice Springs
Ph: (08) 8951 5576
PO Box 1596 Alice Springs NT 0870
Office address Leichardt Bldg, 19-21 Gregory Tce
Alice Springs NT 0870
Darwin
Ph: (08) 8999 8353
Fax: (08) 8923 7621
GPO Box 4450 Darwin NT 0801
Office address 40 Cavanagh St Darwin NT 0800
www.dlghs.nt.gov.au/ais
National interpreting service referral
(24 hr) 131 450
Each state and territory has its own phone numbers to report incidences of child abuse.
These are 24 hour, seven day a week services and your call is treated as confidential. These
listings are also on the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) Child Family Community
Australia website http://www.aifs.gov.au/cfca/pubs/factsheets/a142843/index.html
Police or Ambulance
Queensland
Victoria
000
07) 3235 9999
131 278
After hours and weekend: 1800
177 135
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/
for-individuals/crisis-andemergency/reporting-child-abuse
Mandated reporters:
1300 556 729
General public:
www.communities.qld.gov.au/
childsafety/protecting-children/
reporting-child-abuse
www.dhcs.act.gov.au/ocyfs
South Australia
131 478
New South Wales
132 111
www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/pub/default.
aspx?tabid=249
After hours:
(08) 9223 1111 or
1800 199 008
www.dcp.wa.gov.au/Organisation/
contactUs/Pages/ContactUs.aspx
www.community.nsw.gov.au
Tasmania
Northern Territory
Western Australia
1800 622 258
1300 556 729
1300 737 639
1800 700 250
www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/contact
www.health.nt.gov.au
Australian National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline
An Australia-wide hotline for reporting abuse and neglect of people with disabilities using
government funded services. Its services are used by people of all ages including children.
www.disabilityhotline.net.au
Ph: 1800 880 052
TTY: 1800 301 130
NRS: 1800 555 677
TIS: 131 450
85
SECTION E
Youth and family help lines and family crisis lines
Some of the following help line services are 24 hour, seven day a week, some have more
limited times. Dial 000 in an emergency.
These services are all confidential and most have free call-up. These help lines will help
you talk, think and act in an emergency, and can put you in contact with a service that
best suits your needs – whether it is for supported accommodation, family violence
counselling, rape crisis, men’ s and women’s help services and youth support. can also
find many services on line at www.SNAICC.org.au or on www.lifeline.serviceseeker.com.au
National
Child Abuse Prevention Service (CAPS)
1800 688 009
Lifeline
131 114
Violence Against Women
1800 200 526
Mensline Australia
1300 789 978
Kids Helpline
1800 551 800
Family Relationship Advice Line
1800 050 321
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence
1800 737 732
Counselling Service
Relationships Australia
1300 364 277
Child Wise—National Child Abuse Prevention Help Line
1800 991 099
The Line Relationship Advice
1800 MYLINE
(1800 695 463)
PANDA (Post and Antenatal Depression Association)
1300 726 306
Find and Connect
1800 161 109
SANE Australia Helpline
1800 187 263
ACT
Parentline
(02) 6287 3833
Health Direct
1800 622 222
Tresillian Parent Helpline
1800 637 357
Domestic Violence Crisis Service
(02) 6280 0900
Youth Support
(02) 6162 4718
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, and
Service Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
ParentLink
86
(02) 6247 2525
13 34 27
Mental Health Triage Service
1800 629 354
The Gateway
1800 647 831
SECTION E
NSW
Parentline
1300 130 052
Youthline
(02) 8736 3293
Karitane Care Line
1300 227 464 or (02) 9794 1852
Tresillian
1800 637 357 or (02) 9787 0855
Domestic Violence Line
1800 656 463
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service
(02) 8745 6999
TTY: 1800 671 442
1800 810 784
TTY: 1800 626 267
Rural Free Call:
Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA)
Victims Access Line (VAL)
Womens and Girls Emergency Centre
(02) 9281 8822
1800 663 063
(02) 9211 1616
Parent Help Line
1800 637 357
NSW Rape Crisis Centre
1800 424 017
Dads in Distress Helpline
1300 853 437
NT
Parentline
1300 301 300
Crisis Line NT, and
Darwin Domestic Violence Crisis Line
1800 019 116
Domestic Violence Counselling Service
Darwin Sexual Assault Referral Centre
Darwin (08) 8945 6200
Alice Springs (08) 8952 6048
(08) 8922 6472
Darwin Domestic Violence Crisis Line
1800 019 116
NT Crisis Chat Line (for children)
1800 332 333
Ruby Gaea House
(08) 8945 0155
Tennant Creek Shelter Me Family Support Service
(08) 8962 3065
Top End Mental Health Service
(08) 8999 4988
Dawn House
(08) 8945 1388
Community Health/Care Centre: www.health.nt.gov.au/Service_Locator/Community_
Health_and_Care_Centres/index.aspx
QLD
Parentline
Child Health Information and Advisory Service
Domestic Violence Telephone Service:
Brisbane Domestic Violence Advocacy Service
Child safety after hours service centre
Crisis Care
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
1300 301 300
(07) 3862 2333 or 1800 177 279
for women and youth: 1800 811 811
for men: 1800 600 636
(07) 3217 2544
1800 177 135
(07) 3235 9999
1800 010 120
TTY: 1899 812 225
87
SECTION E
Abused Child Trust
(07) 3857 8866
Sexual Abuse Counselling and Support Service
(07) 3391 6066
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s
Legal and Advocacy Service
1800 442 450
After hours Crisis Care
13 16 11
Health Queensland
13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
SA
Parent Helpline
1300 364 100
Domestic Violence & Aboriginal Family Violence Gateway Service
1800 800 098
1300 782 200
Munga Mi: Minar Women and Children’s Shelter
1300 782 200
Women’s Information Service
(08) 8303 0590
Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service
(08) 8226 8787
country callers phone: 1800 817 421
Mental Health Assessment and Crisis Intervention Service
Crisis Care
13 14 65
131 611 (4pm - 9pm)
TAS
Parentline
1300 808 178
Domestic Violence Crisis Service
1800 633 937
Child Protection Advice and Referral Services
1800 001 219
Sexual Assault Support Services
(03) 6231 1817
Tools for Men
(03) 6213 3555
Mental Health Services Helpline
1800 332 388
VIC
Parentline
Maternal and Child Health Advisory Line
1300 791 423 or 132 229
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service
1800 015 188 or (03) 3922 3555
Australian Childhood Foundation
1800 176 453 or (03) 9874 3922
Children’s Protection Society
(03) 9458 3566
Gatehouse Centre
(03) 9345 6391
SuicideLine
1300 651 251
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
1800 806 292
No to Violence – Men’s Referral Service
1800 065 973
The Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria
1800 105 303
OCD and Anxiety Helpline
88
132 289
TTY Service: 136 388
(03) 9830 0533
SECTION E
WA
Parenting Line
(08) 9272 1466
Country and regional call 1800 654 432
Ngala Helpline
(08) 9368 9368
Country and regional call 1800 111 546
Family Helpline
1800 643 000 or (08) 9223 1100
TTY: (08) 9325 1232
Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline
1800 007 339 or (08) 9223 1188
Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline
1800 000 599 or (08) 9223 1199
Sexual Assault Resource Centre
1800 199 888 or (08) 9340 1828
Women’s Council for Domestic and Family
Violence Services
(08) 9420 7264
Domestic Violence Advocacy and Support
Central (DVAS Central)
(08) 9226 2370
The Patricia Giles Centre
Children
(08) 9300 0340
(08) 9328 1888
Mental Health Emergency Response Line
(Pilbara region) 1800 676 822
(Pilbara metro) 1300 555 788
Crisis Care
1800 199 008 (08) 9325 1111
89
SECTION E
Government Services
State and territory government departments responsible
for protecting children
The legislation these departments work under is outlined in Section D above.
For up-to-date details see www.aifs.gov.au
Queensland
Office for Children, Youth and Family
Support
Department of Child Safety
GPO Box 158
Canberra City ACT 2601
Phone: 132 281
Facsimile: 620 59183
www.dhcs.act.gov.au/ocyfs
To report instances of child abuse
Mandated Reporters 1300 556 728
General Public 1300 556 729
After Hours Crisis Services 1300 556 729
New South Wales
111 George Street Brisbane Qld 4000
Postal address: GPO Box 806 Brisbane
Qld 4001
1800 811 810 (Queensland only)
Phone: 07 3224 8045
TTY: 07 3012 8655
Enquiries - [email protected]
www.communities.qld.gov.au/childsafety/
child-safety-services
1800 811 810
After hours (07) 3235 9999 or 1800 177 135
Department of Family and Community
Services
South Australia
Community Services Head Office
4-6 Cavill Ave
Ashfield NSW 2131
Locked Bag 4028
Ashfield NSW 2131
Phone: 02 9716 2222
Facsimile: 02 9716 2999
www.community.nsw.gov.au/welcome_to_
docs_website.html
To report instances of child abuse: 132 111
Department for Communities and
Social Inclusion - Families SA
Northern Territory
Level 7, 108 North Terrace
Adelaide
SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8124 4185
This email address should not be used to
report child abuse and neglect.
www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/pub/default.
aspx?tabid=249
To report instances of child abuse: 131 478
Office of Children and Families
Tasmania
87 Mitchell Street, Darwin NT 0800
PO Box 40596, Casuarina NT 0811
Phone: (08) 8999 2400
www.childrenandfamilies.nt.gov.au/
email: officeofthechiefexecutiveDCF.ths@
nt.gov.au
1800 700 250
Department of Health and Human
Services – child protection
GPO Box 125
Hobart, TAS 7001
Phone: 1300 135 513 - General Enquiries
Facsimile (03) 6230 7821
www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/children/child_
protection_services
1300 737 639
90
SECTION E
Victoria
Western Australia
Department of Human Services –
Office for Children
Department for Child Protection
Level 9, 50 Lonsdale St
Melbourne
VIC 3000
Phone: 1300 650 172
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/
children,-families-and-young-people/
child-protection
[email protected]
To report instances of child abuse:
Department for Child Protection
Central Office
PO Box 6334
East Perth
WA 6892
Phone: (08) 9222 2555
TTY: (08) 9325 1232
www.dcp.wa.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx
To report instances of child abuse:
1800 622 258
131 278
Most states and territories have an independent statutory body such as a Children’s
Commisioner. These bodies are there to review policy and legislation relevant to
children and young people. They provide a complaints mechanism in relation to
the delivery of children’s service. Other aspects of the role include advocating for
children’s rights and interests, providing community education amongst other activities.
They report to the respective state or territory parliament and Minister on issues
relating to all children
Some jurisdictions also have a guardian for children who advocate specifically for
the interests of children and young people in out-of-home care. In the majority of
jurisdictions the Guardian’s and Commissioner’s roles reside in the same body, while
in others they are separate. The specific legislative functions vary between states, but
they all aim to contribute to the wellbeing of children, particularly the most vulnerable.
These officers in each jurisdiction have some role in the investigation of complaints in
relation to the rights of children and young people including children and young people
in out-of-home care. They all have up-to-date websites which outline their roles and
powers relating to children and young people and publicise the related activities and
issues in their jurisdictions.
A national Children’s Commissioner has also recently been established to
promote the rights and needs of children across Australia (see page 92).
NSW Commission for Children and
Young People
Level 2, 407 Elizabeth St. Surry Hills NSW
2010
Ph: (02) 9286 7276 Fax: (02) 9286 7267
kids.nsw.gov.au
NSW Children’s Guardian
Level 13, 418A Elizabeth St., Surry Hills
NSW 2010
Ph: (02) 8219 3600
Fax: (02) 8219 3699
www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au
91
SECTION E
Tasmanian Commissioner for Children
(Functions as both Guardian for children in
out-of-home care and as an advocate for all
children)
Level 1, 119 Macquarie St. Hobart
Tas 7000.
Ph: (03) 6233 4520
Country Freecall: 1300 362 065
Fax: (03) 6233 4515
www.childcomm.tas.gov.au
Queensland Commission for Children
and Young People and Child Guardian
(Functions as both Guardian for Children in
out-of-home care and as an advocate for all
children)
PO Box 15217
Brisbane City East QLD 4002
(07) 3211 6700 or freecall (within QLD) 1800
688 275
Fax: (07) 3035 5900
www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/index.aspx
The Victorian Child Safety
Commissioner
(Functions as both Guardian for Children
in out-of-home care and as advocate for all
children)
Level 20/570 Bourke St.
Melbourne Vic. 3000
Ph: (03) 8601 5884
Fax: (03) 8601 5877
www.ocsc.vic.gov.au/index.htm
The South Australian Guardian for
Children and Young People
(Functions as solely as Guardian for Children
in out-of-home care)
GPO Box 2281, Adelaide SA 5001
Freecall: 1800 275 664
Ph: (08) 8226 8570
Fax: (08) 8226 8577
www.gcyp.sa.gov.au
92
Human Rights Commission –
Commissioner for Children and Young
People (ACT)
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601
Ph: (02) 6205 2222
TTY (02) 6205 1666
www.hrc.act.gov.au
Public Advocate of the ACT
Advocates for all children and young
people, including those in out-of-home care
PO Box 1001 Civic Square, ACT 2608
Ph: (02) 6207 0707
Fax: (02) 6207 0688
[email protected]
The Children’s Commissioner NT
(Functions to promote the wellbeing of
vulnerable children including children in
out-of-home care)
PO Box 40598 Casuarina NT 0811
Phone: 1800 259 256
Ph: (08) 8999 6076
Fax: (08) 8999 6072
www.childrenscommissioner.nt.gov.au
Commissioner for Children and Young
People Western Australia
Established to uphold the wellbeing of
vulnerable children including children in
out-of-home care)
Ground floor, 1 Alvan Street, Subiaco WA
6008
Phone: (08) 6213 2297
Country Freecall: 1800 072 444
Fax: (08) 6213 2220
Email via: http://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/
content/Contact-us.aspx
www.ccyp.wa.gov.au
National Children’s Commissioner
Australian Human Rights Commission
Ph: (02) 9284 9600
Complaints: 1300 656 419
SECTION E
Services
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family and
children’s services lead agencies
There are currently over 20 specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and
welfare agencies in Australia that originally commenced as AICCA services. These
services seek to keep families together, reduce the need for children to be removed and
ensure that children are kept close to family – and within their Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander community – if they are removed.
AICCA services are not responsible for investigating reported cases of child abuse or
neglect, or for making decisions in relation to the removal of children from their families.
However, they can provide a bridge between welfare authorities and families. If you or
your family become involved in a child protection issue, contact your local service, tell
them the story and keep them informed so they can help you find the best outcome for
you and your family.
New South Wales
Aboriginal Child Family and Community
Care State Secretariat (AbSec)
21 Carrington Road
Marrickville NSW 2204
Ph: (02) 9559 5299
Fax: (02) 9559 1669
www.absec.org.au
Northern Territory
Karu Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
Agency
Ph: (08) 8922 7171
Fax: (08) 8988 7161
www.karu.com.au
Strong Aboriginal Families, Together (SAF,T)
Ground Floor
Moonta House
43 Mitchell Street,
Darwin NT 0801
Ph: 1800 055 289
Fax: (08) 8941 1586
www.saft.org.au
Queensland
Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health
Council (QAIHC)
21 Buchanan St
West End QLD 4106
PO Box 3205
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Ph: 07 3328 8500
Fax: 07 3844 1544
See QAIHC website for additional contact
details: www.qaihf.com.au
Queensland Aboriginal & Torres Strait
Islander Child Protection Peak Ltd
(QATSICPP)
PO Box 155,
Moorooka Qld 4105
Phone: (07) 3362 9644
Fax: (07) 3362 9645
www.qatsicpp.com.au
Cape York/Gulf Remote Area Aboriginal
& Torres Strait Islander Child Care
(RAATSICC) Advisory Association Inc
Level 2/88 Abbott Street
PO Box 6242
Cairns Qld 4870
Ph: 07 40 300 900
Fax: 07 4041 5082
Toll Free: 1300 663 411
www.raatsicc.org.au
South Australia
Aboriginal Family Support Services (AFSS)
134 Waymouth St., Adelaide 5000
Ph: (08) 8205 1500
Fax (08) 8212 1123
www.afss.com.au
93
SECTION E
Tasmania
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC)
198 Elizabeth Street, Hobart
GPO Box 569 Hobart 7001
Tel: (03) 6234 8311
Fax: (03) 6234 0799
Victoria
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
(VACCA)
139 Nicholson St, East Brunswick 3057
PO Box 494 Northcote Plaza
Northcote Vic 3070
Ph: (03) 8388 1855
Fax: (03) 8388 1898
www.vacca.org
Western Australia
Yorganop Child Care Aboriginal Corporation
1320 Hay Street West Perth
PO Box 367 West Perth WA 6872
Ph: (08) 9321 9090 Facsimile (08) 9321 9019
www.ipsuwa.org.au
Family Violence Prevention Legal Service (FVPLS) units provide assistance to Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities in relation to victim-survivors of family violence
and sexual assault. There are over 30 FVPLS units in remote and rural areas around
Australia funded through the federal Attorney-General’s department. Their primary function
is to provide legal assistance, casework, counselling and court support. They also provide
advisory and referral services with an emphasis on early intervention and prevention
services to address family violence and its associated causes and effects. Families, parents
and children may seek legal help in family violence situations from either the SVPLS and/
or the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services.
New South Wales
Bourke
Ph: (02) 6562 5856
Fax: (02) 6562 5896
Bourke Family Violence Prevention Service
Moree
PO Box 298 Bourke NSW 2840
Ph: (02) 6872 2440
Fax: (02) 6872 2445
Thiyama-li Family Violence Service
Broken Hill
PO Box 928 Moree NSW 2400
Ph: (02) 6751 1400
Fax: (02) 6751 1045
Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention
Legal Services
Walgett
184-186 Argent Street
Broken Hill NSW 2880
Freecall: 1800 812 800
Ph: (08) 8087 6766
Fax: (08 8187 6765
Walanbaa Yinnar Wahroo – Walgett Family
Violence Prevention Unit
21 Weewaa Street Walgett NSW 2832
Ph: (02) 6828 3143
Northern Territory
Forbes
Binaal Billa Family Violence Legal Service
Alice Springs
PO Box 631 Forbes NSW 2871
Ph: (02) 6850 1234
Fax: (02) 6850 1250
NPY Domestic and Family Violence Service
Kempsey
Freecall: 1800 180 840
Ph: 08 8958 2374
Fax: 08 8952 3742
Many Rivers Violence Prevention Unit
PO Box 357 West Kempsey NSW 2440
94
SECTION E
Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal
Unit (CAAFLU)
Ph: (08) 8953 6355
Fax: (08) 8953 6749
Freecall: 1800 088 884
Fax: (07) 4922 6722
Free Call: 1800 887 700
Roma
Maruma-Li Mari Outreach Service
Darwin
North Australian Aboriginal Family
Violence Legal Service – Regional
Aboriginal
PO Box 1028 Roma Qld. 4455
Ph: (07) 4624 0813
Fax: (07) 46221448
Townsville
Family Violence Unit (NAAFVLS)
Ph: (08) 8923 8200
Fax: (08) 8927 5942
Indigenous Family Violence Legal
Outreach Unit (North Qld)
Katherine
PO Box 4427 Townsville Qld. 4810
Ph: (07) 4724 3666
Fax: (07) 4724 3660
Katherine Aboriginal Families’ Support Unit
(KAFSU)
South Australia
PO Box 241 Katherine NT 0850
Ph: (08) 8972 3200
Fax: (08) 8972 3277
Tennant Creek
Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal
Unit (CAAFLU)
Ceduna
Ceduna Aboriginal Family Violence
Prevention Legal Service (CAFVPLS)
PO Box 319 Ceduna SA 5690
Ph: (08) 8625 3800
Fax: (08) 8625 3200
Freecall: 1800 839 659
Refer to Alice Springs Unit Details
Port Augusta
Queensland
Cairns
Queensland Indigenous Family Violence
Legal Services
PO Box 4643 Cairns Qld. 4870
Ph: (07) 4030 0400
Fax: (07) 4052 1614
Freecall: 1800 887 700
Mt. Isa
Mt. Isa Family Violence Prevention Service
PO Box 3073 Mt. Isa Qld. 4825
Ph: (07) 4749 5944
Fax: (07) 4749 5955
Free Call: 1800 887 700
Warndu Watlhilli-Carri Ngura Aboriginal
Family Violence Legal Service
PO Box 2087 Port Augusta SA 5700
Ph: (08) 8641 2195
Fax: (08) 8641 2348
Freecall: 1800 111 052
Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln Family Violence Prevention
Legal Service
PO Box 750 Port Lincoln SA 5606
Ph; (08) 8683 1896
Fax: (08) 8682 4825
Western Australia
Rockhampton
Albany
G(h)in.gil Family Violence Prevention Legal
Service
South-West Western Australia Family
Violence Prevention Legal Services
PO Box 817 Rockhampton Qld. 4700
Ph: (07) 4922 6711
PO Pox 5277 Albany WA 6330
Ph: (08) 9842 7777
Fax: (08) 9842 9515
95
SECTION E
Broome
Victoria
Broome Family Violence Prevention Legal
Services
Melbourne
PO Box 2037 Broome WA 6725
Ph: (08) 9193 5455
Fax: (08) 9153 7913
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Corporation Family Violence Prevention
and Legal Service Victoria
Carnarvon
Carnarvon Family Violence Prevention
Legal Services
PO Box 898 Carnarvon WA 6701
Ph: (08) 9941 3633
Fax: (08) 9941 3801
Level 3, 70-80 Wellington St
Collingwood Vic 3066
Toll free: 1800 105 303
Ph: (03) 9244 3333
Fax: (03) 9416 0147
Web: www.fvpls.org
Mildura
Fitzroy Crossing
Marninwarntikura Family Violence
Prevention Unit
PO Box 43 Fitzroy Crossing WA 6765
Ph: (08) 9191 5284
Fax: (08) 9191 5611
Geraldton
Yamatji Family Violence Prevention Legal
Unit
Mildura Aboriginal Co-operative Family
Violence Prevention Service
PO Box 1230 Mildura VIC 3500
Ph: (03) 5022 1852
Fax: (03) 5023 7852
Mildura Aboriginal Family Violence
Prevention & Legal Service
PO Box 10059 Mildura 3502
Ph: 03 5021 3200
Fax 03 5021 3055
Toll free: 1800 105 303
PO Box 2731 Geraldton WA 6530
Ph: (08) 9965 4654
Fax: (08) 9921 6377
Barwon
Kalgoorlie
Barwon South West Aboriginal Family
Violence Prevention & Legal Service
Western Australia Family Violence
Prevention Legal Service
PO Box 404 Warrnambool 3280
Phone: 03 5562 5755
Toll free: 1800 105 303
PO Box 10411 Kalgoorlie WA 6430
Ph: (08) 9021 0244
Fax: 9091 2765
Gippsland
Kimberley
Gippsland Aboriginal Family Violence
Prevention & Legal Service
Kimberley Community Legal Service
PO Box 622 Kununurra WA 6743
Ph: (08) 9169 3100
Fax: (08) 9169 3200
PO Box 1281 Bairnsdale 3875
Ph: 03 5153 2322
Fax 03 5152 3933
Toll free: 1800 105 303
South Hedland
Pilbara Family Violence Prevention Legal
Services Aboriginal Corporation
PO Box 2807 South Hedland WA 6722
Ph: (08) 9172 5024
Fax: (08) 9172 5035
96
SECTION E
The family violence prevention legal services, all have a defined number of communities
they work with, most of which are remote. However, the Women’s Legal Services in each
state and territory work across the whole state, including the major urban centres. Some
of the women’s legal services have special Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
for remote court circuits etc.
ACT
Women’s Legal Centre ACT and Region Inc
Ph: (02) 6257 4377
Fax: (02) 6247 0848
Free call: 1800 634 669
www.womenslegalact.org
North Queensland Women’s Legal Service Inc.
Cairns Office
Ph: (07) 4041 0066
Townsville (07) 4772 5400
Free call: 1800 244 504
www.nqwls.com.au
Women’s Legal Service (Queensland)
NSW
Women’s Indigenous Legal Services Ltd.
Free call: 1800 639 784
Phone: (02) 8745 6977
www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal
Centre
Free call: 1800 677 278
Ph: (07) 3392 0670
Fax: (07) 3392 0658
www.wlsq.org.au
SA
NT
Adelaide office
Ph: (08) 8231 8929
Fax: (08) 8221 5737
Port Augusta office
Ph: (08) 8641 3366
Free call: 1800 555 850
Katherine Women’s Information and Legal
Service
TAS
Free call: 1800 686 587
Ph: (02) 9569 3847
Fax: (02) 9569 4210
www.wirringabaiya.org.au
Free call: 1800 620108
Ph: (08) 8972 1712
Fax: (08) 8972 1572
Free call: 1800 682 468
www.womenslegaltas.org.au
Top End Women’s Legal Service
Toll free: 1800 234 441
Ph: (08) 8982 3000
VIC
Central Australian Women’s Legal Service
Inc.
Free call: 1800 133 302
Ph: (03) 9642 0877
Fax: (03) 9642 0232
Free call: 1800 684 055
Ph: (08) 8952 4055
Women’s Legal Service Victoria
WA
QLD
Women’s Legal and Advocacy Service
Free call: 1800 442 450
Ph: (07) 3720 9089
Fax: (07) 3720 8892
Women’s Legal Services NQ
Free call: 1800 082 600
Ph: (07) 4721 6007
Fax: (07) 4724 5112
Marninwarntikura Fitzroy Women’s
Resource Centre
Fitzroy Crossing
Ph: 1800 625 122
Ph: (08) 9191 5284
Women’s Law Centre WA
Free call: 1800 625 122
Ph: (08) 9272 8800
97
SECTION E
ACT
Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
Branch
Level 3, Colonial Mutual Building
17-21 University Ave Canberra, ACT 2601
Ph: (02) 6249 8488,
Fax: (02) 6262 5226
New South Wales
Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
Head office:
1/619 Elizabeth St., Redfern, NSW 2016
Branches: Bathurst, Coffs Harbour,
Parramatta, Wollongong, Grafton, Taree,
Newcastle, Kempsey, Lismore, Armidale,
Moree, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Griffith,
Nowra, Moruya, Dubbo, Bourke, Broken
Hill, Walgett
Crime 1800 765 767
Care 1800 733 233
Ph: (02) 8303 6600
Fax: (02) 8303 6601
See full contact list:
www.alsnswact.org.au
Northern Territory
Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid
Service (CAALAS)
Alice Springs
55 Bath Street
Freecall: 1800 636 079 (NT only)
Ph: (08) 8950 9300
Fax: (08) 8953 0784
[email protected]
North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency
(NAAJA)
Darwin/Head Office
61 Smith Street
GPO Box 1064
DARWIN NT 0801
Ph: (08) 8982 5100
Fax: (08) 8982 5199
Darwin: 1800 898 251
Katherine: 1800 897 728
Nhulunbuy: 1800 022 823
(free call within the Northern Territory only)
[email protected]
Torres Strait
TSNP Torres Strait Islander & Aboriginal
Corporation for Legal Services
PO Box 112
Thursday Island, Qld. 4875
Ph: 4069 1562
Fax. 4069 1152
Queensland
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal
Service (Qld) Ltd
Head Office:
Level 5, 183 North Quay, Brisbane QLD
4000
PO Box 13035 George Street, Brisbane
QLD 4003
Ph: (07) 3025 3888
Fax: (07) 3025 3800
Toll Free: 1800 012 255 (24 hrs, 7 days)
[email protected]
See full list of regional and satellite offices
and services offered:
www.atsils.com.au
Tennant Creek
68 Patterson Street
Tennant Creek NT 0860
Ph: (08) 8962 1332
Fax: (08) 8962 2507
[email protected]
98
South Australia
Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement (ALRM)
Head office: 321-325 King William St.
Adelaide, SA 5000
Branches: Ceduna, Murray Bridge,
Port Augusta, Port Lincoln
Freecall: 1800 643 222
Phone (08) 8113 3777
Email [email protected]
SECTION E
Tasmania
Western Australia
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Inc.
Aboriginal Legal Service of Western
Australia (ALSWA)
Hobart Office
198 Elizabeth Street
GPO Box 569
Hobart TAS 7001
Phone: (03) 6234 0700
Fax: (03) 6234 0799
Launceston Office
182 Charles Street
PO Box 531
Launceston TAS 7250
Phone: (03) 6332 3800
Fax: (03) 6332 3899
Burnie Office
53 Alexander Street
PO Box 536
Burnie TAS 7320
Phone: (03) 6431 3289
Fax: (03) 6431 8363
7 Aberdeen Street,
Perth WA 6004
(near McIver Train Station)
PO Box 8194,
Perth Business Centre 6849
Ph: 08 9265 6666
Fax: 08 9221 1767
After Hours: 08 9265 6644
See: http://www.als.org.au/
Free call (WA only): 1800 019 900
For: Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Carnarvon,
Fitzroy Crossing, Geraldton, Halls Creek,
Kalgoorlie, Kununurra, Meekatharra,
Northam, South Hedland.
Victoria
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)
273 High Street, PO Box 52
Preston VIC 3072
Ph: 03 9418 5999
Fax: 9418 5900
Toll free: 1800 064 865
For Bairnsdale, Shepparton, Heywood,
Mildura, Morwell, Swan Hill, Ballarat
Free call: 1800 064 865
See: www.vals.org.au
99
SECTION E
National services for information about child abuse and
family violence, support, treatment and prevention
Your state or territory department responsible for child protection is a good place to
start to seek information, resources and training opportunities in your area. The following
agencies and resources may also be useful to you:
SNAICC
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and
Islander Child Care
SNAICC is the national non-government
peak body in Australia representing the
interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children and families. SNAICC
operates from a membership base of
community-based child care agencies,
Multi-functional Aboriginal Children’s
Services (MACS), family support services,
foster care agencies, link-up and family
reunification services, family group
homes, community groups and voluntary
associations, long-day-care child care
services, pre-schools, early childhood
education services and services for young
people at risk. SNAICC is governed by a
national executive of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people. Its services includes
the SNAICC Resource Service.
Ph: (03) 9489 8099
Fax (02) 9489 8044
www.snaicc.org.au
Child Family Community Australia
(CFCA)
The CFCA information exchange is
hosted by the Australian Institute of
Family Studies (AIFS) and funded by the
Australian Government Department of
Families, Housing, Community Services
and Indigenous Affairs. CFCA merges three
earlier information clearinghouses: National
Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian
Family Relationships Clearinghouse, and
Communities and Families Clearinghouse
Australia. CFCA acts as an access point
to current, evidence-based research, and
resources.
100
People concerned with the prevention of
child maltreatment will find information on
the latest developments in the prevention of
child abuse and neglect, including updates
on legislation.
Ph: (03) 9214 7888
Fax: (03) 9214 7839
CFCA provides a research and information
helpdesk for child, family and community
welfare service providers. To access the
Research and Information Helpdesk call 03
9214 7888 or via the website.
www.aifs.gov.au/cfca
National Association for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and
Neglect (NAPCAN)
NAPCAN provides a range of resources
and services for the prevention of child
abuse and neglect including resources
and programs designed for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities,
including their Child Friendly Australia
website.
National Office
9/162 Goulburn Street
SURRY HILLS NSW 2010
PO Box K241
Haymarket NSW 1240
Ph: 02 9269 9200
Fax: 02 9261 0020
www.napcan.org.au
State & Territory Offices
NSW
Ph: 02 9269 9200
Fax: 02 9261 0200
QLD
Ph: 07 3287 3533
Fax: 07 3287 3233
SECTION E
NT
Ph: 08 8942 2254
Fax: 08 8942 2034
NAPCAN also run an annual National Child
Protection Week in September, for which
resources can be obtained on their website.
Australian Domestic and Family
Violence Clearinghouse
The Australian Domestic and Family
Violence Clearinghouse is a national
resource on issues of domestic and family
violence. It provides a central point for the
collection and dissemination of Australian
domestic and family violence policy,
practice and research. The Clearinghouse
also provides information on international
efforts to end these forms of violence.
It aims to meet the information needs
of government agencies, generalist and
specialist service providers, researchers
and interested members of the public.
Services include publications, databases,
library information services and research.
Freecall 1800 75 33 82
Ph: (02) 9385 2990
Fax: (02) 9385 2993
www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au
Education Centre Against
Violence
The Education Centre Against Violence
is a specialist organisation committed
to producing high quality training and
resources for NSW Health and interagency
professionals working with children and
adults who have experienced sexual
assault, domestic violence and physical and
emotional abuse and neglect. They offer a
range of courses for health service providers
and health workers are invited to contact the
centre to discuss their training needs.
Ph: (02) 9840 3737
Fax: (02) 9840 3754
www.ecav.health.nsw.gov.au
WESNET – The Women’s
Services Network
Established in 1992, the Women’s Services
Network (WESNET) is a national women’s
peak advocacy body working on behalf
of women and children who are, or have
experienced domestic and family violence.
WESNET has almost 400 members across
Australia, representing individuals and
organisations including women’s refuges,
safe houses and information/ referral
services. Through its Canberra based
National Office and Secretariat, WESNET
plays an important role in identifying unmet
needs, canvassing emerging issues,
facilitating policy debate and lobbying
government to provide improved responses
to the problem of domestic and family
violence within our community, in partnership
with non-government stakeholders.
PO Box 1579, Canberra City ACT 2601
Ph: 1300 252 006
Email [email protected]
www.wesnet.org.au
Domestic Violence Resource
Centre Victoria (DVRCV)
DVIRC is a Victorian resource centre for
information about domestic violence and
sexual assault. It provides education and
training, publications, consultation for
workers, and referrals for those affected by
family violence.
292 Wellington St., Collingwood, Vic 3066
Ph: (03) 9486 9866
Fax: (03) 9486 9744
www.dvirc.org.au
North Queensland Domestic
Violence Resource Service
Townsville: 07 4721 2888
Mount Isa: 07 4743 0946
[email protected]
www.nqdvrs.org.au
101
SECTION E
Queensland Centre for Domestic
and Family Violence Research
This service aims to develop a culture
of intolerance to domestic and family
violence; to develop strong partnerships
between government, universities and
the community; and to utilise these
partnerships to conduct research that
will both inform policy, and evaluate the
direction and implementation. Information
on Queensland initiatives, including forums,
research, publications, news and events.
Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse
The Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse is a
partnership between the Australian Institute
of Criminology (AIC) and the Attorney
General’s Department of NSW (AGD), and
is endorsed by the Standing Committee of
Attorneys-General. The Clearinghouse is a
national resource on Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander justice.
Ph: 02 8061 9319
www.indigenousjustice.gov.au
CQU Mackay P.O. Box 5606, Mackay Mail
Centre, Qld. 4741
Ph: (07) 4940 7834
www.noviolence.com.au/
National Children’s and Youth
Law Centre
The National Children’s and Youth Law
Centre is a community legal centre
dedicated to addressing human right issues
for children and young people through legal
change. The Centre lobbies governments
and decision-making bodies to recognise
and apply the provisions of the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child and
provides advice and information to children
and young people.
Brisbane Indigenous Media
Association
The Talkin’ about law podcasts, produced
by the Brisbane Indigenous Media
Association’s Talkin’ about law program,
provide information about a variety of
aspects of the law. These audio files
were created specifically for Indigenous
people in Queensland, and cover areas
including prisoner complaints, parole, child
protection orders, domestic violence.
www.bimaprojects.org.au/tag/law
C/- University of NSW Sydney NSW 2052
Ph: (02) 9385 9588 Fax: (02) 9385 9589
www.ncylc.org.au/
Additional resource, research, policy and advocacy
services
Australian Institute of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Studies
(AIATSIS)
Ph: (02) 6246 1111
www.aiatsis.gov.au
102
Australian Council of Social Service
(ACOSS)
Ph: (02) 9310 6200
www.acoss.org.au
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Australian Virtual Centre for Women
and the Law
Ph: (08) 9370 6336
www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au
Ph: (02) 6247 2075
www.nwjc.org.au/avcwl
AIHW Australian Institute of Health
and Welfare
Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy
Research (CAEPR)
Ph: (02) 6244 1000
www.aihw.gov.au
Ph: (02) 6125 0587
www.anu.edu.au/caepr
SECTION E
Cooperative Research Centre for
Aboriginal Health
Ph: (03) 8341 5555
www.lowitja.org.au
Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
Inc. NT Aboriginal community
controlled health service
http://www.cuzcongress.com.au/
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity
Commission (HREOC)
Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy
Research (CAEPR)
General Inquiries: (02) 9284 9600
Human Rights: 1300 656 419
www.hreoc.gov.au
(02) 6125 5111
http://caepr.anu.edu.au/
Indigenous Health Promotions
Resource Guide
Ph: (02) 8020 0734
www.aihwj.com.au
Mirabel Research and Resource
Publications
Assists the carers of, and children who
have been orphaned or abandoned due to
parental illicit drug use and are now in the
care of extended family (kinship care).
www.mirabelfoundation.org.au
Children Of Parents with a Mental
Illness National Initiative (COPMI)
This website has links to many resources
such as books, DVDs, factsheets, websites
and more.
www.copmi.net.au/
Connecting Communities - National
Children’s Services Directory
www.snaicc.org.au
NCAC Embracing quality child
care: A collection of NCAC’s Family
Factsheets
National Aboriginal and Islander
Community Controlled Health
Organisation (NACCHO)
www.ncac.acecqa.gov.au/family-resources/
factsheets/familyfactsheetcollection.pdf
Ph: (02) 6246 9300
www.naccho.org.au
The Profile of Children and Young
People in Western Australia
www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/
Reconciliation Australia
Ph: (02) 6273 9200
www.reconciliation.org.au
Australian Children’s Education &
Care Quality Authority
Phone: 1300 4 ACECQA (1300 422 327
www.acecqa.gov.au
ACSSA Register of Current Research
into Sexual Assault
www.apps.aifs.gov.au/acssaregister
projects
Bridges and barriers: addressing
Indigenous incarceration and health
(National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol
Committee)
ThinkUKnow
An internet safety program delivering
interactive training to parents, carers and
teachers, as well as advice for young
people on keeping safe online.
www.thinkuknow.org.au
Winangali-Marumali
Support for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander survivors of removal
policies
www.marumali.com.au
VACCA
Resources, Including Caring for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Children in
Out of Home Care
www.vacca.org
http://www.nidac.org.au/images/pdfs/
nidac_bridges_and_barriers.pdf
Australian Centre for the Study of
Sexual Assault
http://www.aifs.gov.au/acssa/
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Other child abuse and neglect prevention services
Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault
Taskforce (ACSAT)
ACSAT was set up to look into child sexual
abuse in Aboriginal communities across
NSW. ACSAT aims to improve services
to Aboriginal children, young people and
families who have experienced child sexual
abuse. ACSAT taskforce no longer exists,
however there are resources still available
on the website.
of services to children and young people
and their families in New South Wales.
The Association undertakes policy,
research and training activities in child and
adolescent welfare, with a focus on children
at risk of coming into care, those in care
and those leaving care. ACWA publishes a
newsletter and occasional issues papers
and is a training provider.
www.acwa.asn.au
www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/acsat
The Australian Childhood
Foundation
Aboriginal Counselling Service
ACS provides crisis intervention and
therapeutic counselling for families,
individuals and communities within NSW.
The ACS supports and assists Aboriginal
people in dealing with issues such as grief
& loss, drug & alcohol, gambling, financial
hardship, family violence, sexual abuse and
self-harm.
www.aboriginalcounsellingservices.com.au
ACT for Kids
ACT for Kids provides specialised services
for abused children and their families
through individualised therapy programs
in order to achieve his or her full potential,
thus breaking the cycle of abuse. ACT for
Kids works to achieve this mission through
treatment, prevention, education and
research.
www.actforkids.com.au
Advocates for Survivors of Child
Abuse
Advocates for Survivors of Child Abuse
(ASCA) is an Australian based, non-profit
organisation dedicated to helping adult
men and women come to terms with their
childhood trauma. ASCA is a survivor
initiated organisation founded in 1995.
www.asca.org.au
Association of Children’s Welfare
Agencies Inc
Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies
Inc (ACWA) aims to improve the quality
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Formerly Australians Against Child Abuse,
the Australian Childhood Foundation is a
non-profit, self-funded national organisation
which provides a therapeutic service for
child victims of abuse and their families
and a range of resources for parents,
professionals and the community. The
Foundation has recently established
the National Research Centre for the
Prevention of Child Abuse at Monash
University in partnership with the Faculty
of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
to research the problem of child abuse and
identify constructive solutions.
www.childhood.org.au/about
Barnardos
Barnardos (NSW) is a non-denominational,
non-government welfare organisation,
which helps severely disadvantaged and
abused children and young people. It
provides services to help prevent and
reverse the effects of abuse, neglect and
homelessness.
www.barnardos.org.au
Broken Rites
Broken Rites helps victims of
church-related sexual abuse. The sexual
abuse may have occurred in parishes,
church schools, church youth clubs or
church-affiliated children’s homes. Broken
Rites will advise victims about obtaining
justice. Broken Rites is non-denominational
and is not connected with any religious
organisation.
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Ph: (03) 9457 4999
positive difference to children’s and young
people’s lives.
http://brokenrites.alphalink.com.au/
www.resources.napcan.org.au/c/183531/1/
child-friendly-australia.html
CREATE Foundation
Defence for Children International
Formerly Australian Association of Young
People in Care (AAYPIC) – a consumer
movement for and by children and young
people who are, or have been in care,
Create encourages young people to
participate at the local, regional, state and/
or national levels, in secure care facilities,
residential or foster homes where young
people live everyday. As well as in national
training events where they gain skills in
peer support, running workshops and
giving presentations about life in care.
(Australian Section) is a small
non-government organisation working to
protect and promote the rights of children
in Australia. It campaigns for the full
implementation of the Convention on the
Rights of the Child by Australia, the creation
of a National Commissioner for Children,
an Office for the Status of Children in
the Prime Minister’s Department, and a
National Agenda for Children and Youth.
www.create.org.au
www.dci-au.org
Child Abuse Prevention Service
(CAPS)
Centre for Community Child Health
The aim of the Child Abuse Prevention
Service (CAPS) is to alleviate child abuse
in all its forms and to prevent morbidity
through the support of those persons
who are abusing or are at risk of abusing
children. The program contributes to
the understanding of child abuse and
to changing the community’s attitude
towards it. CAPS is a non-profit making
organisation and provides 24 hour crisis
support, counselling and ongoing support
for victims, families and perpetrators in the
child sexual assault area.
P.O. Box 1235 Ashfield NSW 2131 Australia
Ph: (02) 9716 8000
National child abuse prevention help line
1800 688 009
Email: through website
www.childabuseprevention.com.au
Child Friendly Australia
Child Friendly Australia is social change
initiative from NAPCAN which works to
inspire every Australian to make a positive
difference to children’s lives. The website
has programs and tools to assist with the
formation, development and sustenance of
Child Friendly Community Action Networks,
to support parents themselves, and to
encourage the general public to ‘take
the child friendly challenge’ and make a
The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre
for Community Child Health (CCCH)
researches into early childhood
development and behaviour. The Centre
is supports communities to improve the
health, development and wellbeing of all
children. The CCCH’s work is in supporting
community-based professionals and
organisations who work with families.
www.rch.org.au/ccch
Kids Helpline
A counselling service for Australian children
and young people aged between 5 and 25
years. The most consistent common caller
concern is in regard to family relationships,
the help line also counsels young people
regarding relationships, behaviour and
mental health issues, amongst other issues
facing young people.
Helpline: 1800 55 1800
www.kidshelp.com.au
Lawstuff
Lawstuff is an initiative of the National
Children’s and Youth Law Centre, an
independent, non-profit organisation
working for all Australians under the age of
25, which aims to improve the conditions
and opportunities of Australian children and
young people.
www.lawstuff.org.au
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Rosebank Child Sexual Abuse
Service
Yorgum counselling and referral
W.A.
Rosebank Child Sexual Abuse Service
offers free confidential counselling and
support to children and adolescents who
have been sexually abused, and their
non-offending family members. Rosebank
also offers a service to adult survivors
of child sexual abuse, where possible.
Other services provided are: groups; court
preparation and support; information and
referrals; victims’ compensation reports;
support for non-offending family members;
community education; and a resource
centre.
Yorgum provides an alternative and cultural
approach to healing Aboriginal people who
have been affected by family violence,
sexual abuse and the underlying causes
associated. Yorgum aims to offer Aboriginal
people an autonomous, Aboriginal-specific,
community-based, counselling and referral
service that acknowledges the impact of
colonisation on Aboriginal people.
PO Box 236 Northbridge WA 6865
Ph: (08) 9218 9477 (08) 9221 2733
www.yorgum.com.au
www.rosebankcsa.org.au
Additional Services
Safety House Program
Safety House is organised nationally
throughout Australia but operates at
a local community level. It provides a
network of safe places for children to go
to and provides children with the skills and
confidence to feel safe. A Safety House
can be a house, shop or a business, and
can offer assistance to children should they
feel unsafe, threatened or unsure, primarily
when travelling to and from school. The
program also aims to play a preventative
role in community safety, providing safer
neighbourhoods for children.
Take Two
Take Two is a Victorian therapeutic service
for children and young people who have
been the victims of substantiated incidents
of child maltreatment. Take Two has an
Aboriginal Team that provides direct service
as well as training and consultation to other
Take Two clinicians in order that all staff
are able to work sensitively and effectively
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children, families and carers.
Gambling Issues
Let’s Talk Gambling:
Website contains advice for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people with gambling
issues, as well as resources and a gambling
calculator
http://www.aboriginalgamblinghelp.org.au/
gambling-help.htm
Gambling Help Online Counselling &
Support
Website has a directory to state and
territory services, including Aboriginal
specific services.
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
1800 858 858 (national free call)
Prisoner Support
Australian Prison Foundation
Prisoner Support Organisations
Directory
http://www.freewebs.com/
australianprisonfoundation/
organisationsforprisoners.htm
Homelessness
1 Salisbury St., Richmond Vic 3121
Ph: (03) 9429 9266
Homelessness Australia
Available services, state and territory
directory:
www.berryst.org.au/services_taketwo.htm
www.homelessnessaustralia.org.au/site/
experiencing.php
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additional services cont’d...
Social and Cultural Wellbeing
www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/other-healthconditions/mental-health
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
– Social and emotional wellbeing
(including mental health)
Australian Indigenous Mental Health
Includes links to many organisations,
programs, projects, resources as well as
employment and job training links.
indigenous.ranzcp.org
Includes case studies, resources and a
directory of services
The Child Abuse Prevention
Network
Child Abuse Prevention Network is an
initiative of the Family Life Development
Centre at Cornell University in the US. The
network is dedicated to enhancing internet
resources for professionals and the general
community for the prevention of child
abuse and neglect.
Childabuse.com
Information is a key component in child
abuse prevention. Childabuse.com offer
current articles and reports on child abuse
trends and what you can do to help combat
abuse, as well as a wide variety of articles,
news letters and learning material. Read,
learn, and join in the fight against child
abuse. This organisation had its beginnings
in Alaska over 40 years ago.
www.child-abuse.com
www.childabuse.com
CRIN – Child Rights Information
Child Rights Information Network is a global
network of children’s rights organisations
seeking to support the effective exchange
of information about children and their
rights.
www.crin.org
Global Movement for Children
Global Movement for Children is a
collection of people and organisations
around the world dedicated to promoting
the rights of the child.
Defence for Children International is an
independent non-government organisation
set up during the International Year of the
Child (1979) to ensure ongoing, practical,
systematic and concerted international
action, specially directed towards
promoting and protecting the rights of the
child.
www.defenceforchildren.org
NSPCC The National Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children
www.gmfc.org
Includes an international directory
Childwatch International Research
Network
www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform
Childwatch International Research Network
is a database on research and information
on children’s rights. The goal of Childwatch
International is to promote, initiate and
disseminate international, interdisciplinary
research that leads to a real improvement
in the well being of children through
network activities.
International Society for Prevention
of Child Abuse and Neglect
www.childwatch.uio.no
www.stopitnow.org
www.ispcan.org
Stop it Now!
US website includes resources for the
prevention of child abuse.
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Resources
KAMSC Protective Behaviours
Community Way Package 2005
Safe Generations – NSW
Protective Behaviours
The Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services
Council (KAMSC) Protective Behaviours
Community Way Package is adapted from
a safety package developed for children
to help them deal with their problems
and find the right sort of help. The
KAMSC Community Way package aims
to make children strong and to feel safe
in their home and community. Protective
Behaviours lets our children know they can
talk about good secrets and bad secrets
with people they trust, who will listen and
support them. This package contains three
books which can be used as an educational
program by families, teachers, health
workers or community groups with children.
Within each book there are lessons, sharing
time and hands on activities designed for
primary school children to gradually learn
the principles of Protective Behaviours.
This resource book was developed by
members of the NSW Aboriginal community
and focuses on meeting the safety needs
of children and young people. Safe
Generations provides facilitators with
suggested ways to implement the NSW
Protective Behaviours resource Keep Safe
that was produced in the early 1990s. It is
suitable for use in many settings and can
modified to suit local needs. The resource
also includes materials for children and
young people who might be challenged by
difficult situations.
3 books, 29 full-colour laminated posters,
plus 5 A4 black and white worksheets
which can be photocopied.
Ph: 9194 3200 www.kamsc.org.au
It’s K-K-Kool To Feel Safe
This book and CD introduces adults and
children alike to child protection in a sensitive
and sensible way, written and illustrated
by Mereki, a Kamilaroi woman from NSW,
a member of the Stolen Generation. The
children come from of all ethnic backgrounds
and the story equips children to better
understand the kinds of feelings they may
have after different types of encounters
with adults. It clearly discerns between safe
affection and inappropriate behaviours, in a
way that will make sense to all ages. The CD
includes two catchy songs to help make the
message stick – Whooo Do You feel Safe
With? and It’s K-K-Kool To Feel Safe.
By Mereki Ph: (02) 6624 6508 www.www.
thekangarooclub.com/products.html
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Ph: (02) 9699 3377 www.protectivebehaviours.org.au/resources.php
Child Wise
This organization features a range of
training and online resources. For a full list
it is recommended to check the website.
Some of the training packages available
include:
Choose with Care: This workshop provides
participants with vital knowledge and
skills to build a child safe organisation and
environment through the development and
implementation of child protection policies,
codes of conduct, child safe recruitment
and selection practices, and managing
complaints and concerns of abuse.
Dynamics of Sex Offending: This one day
training examines the dynamics of how sex
offenders operate and the kind of strategies
they use to get close to children (grooming)
in order to abuse them.
Trauma and Basic Counselling Skills: This
one/two day training program teaches
people who have not been trained in
counselling, basic counselling and
engagement skills to work with children,
especially those children who are survivors
of abuse and or trauma.
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Tailor made training on all aspects of
Child Abuse: Child Wise can discuss your
training needs and collaboratively build a
program that will incorporate the required
information for the most relevant support.
The website also features publications such
as: Yarning Up About Child Sexual Abuse,
‘Wise Up’ to Child Sexual Abuse, 12 Steps
to Building Child Safe Organisations.
www.childwise.net/Resources/
online-publications.html
PO Box 451, South Melbourne Vic 3205,
Australia
Ph. (03) 9645 8911
www.childwise.net
Parenting Easy Guides for
Indigenous families by Parenting
SA:
On-line tip sheets:
www.parenting.sa.gov.au/pegs/peg_
category_title.asp?peg_category_id=10
Raising Children Network
The Australian parenting website, a
free online guide for parents and for
professionals in the field to raising children
0–15 years old. Find online tip-sheets
on all the basics on behaviour, nutrition,
safety, health and daily care, plus tips on
managing family resources.
www.raisingchildren.net.au
When Sex is not OK
SECASA (South Eastern Centre against
Sexual Assault) provides services and
support to people (both adults and children)
who have been sexually assaulted. They
have a range of resources available for
download on their website, including a
brochure entitled: When Sex is not OK. This
brochure, being simply worded and easy
to read, has been designed for people with
intellectual disabilities. It may however,
in some circumstances, be suitable for
children or people with limited literacy or
knowledge of the English language.
After hours Sexual Assault Crisis Line
(SACL): 1800 806 292
www.secasa.com.au/resource-library/
reports-booklets-and-manuals/
Rights of the Child Poster (by
Meerilinga for Children’s Week WA)
This easy to read poster was designed
to encourage awareness of the United
Nations’ declaration on the rights of the
child. It is illustrated with Australian animals
and can be downloaded from this website:
www.childrensweekwa.org.au/library/file/
About/RoC_poster_main_new_email.pdf
“When a man is raped” and “Who
can a man tell?”
ECAV (The Education Centre Against
Violence) provide several community
pamphlets and booklets including two
designed specifically for men (and/or for
their family and friends) who have been
sexually assaulted. “When a man is raped”
focuses on men who have been raped
as adults, while “Who can a man tell?”
provides advice and assistance to men who
were sexually assaulted as children. They
can be ordered online:
www.ecav.health.nsw.gov.au
Office for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Health (OATSIH)
OATSIH provides funding for a large
number of Indigenous organisations and
has an extensive list available on their
website (available for each state and
territory).
www.health.gov.au/oatsih
www.health.gov.au/internet/main/
publishing.nsf/Content/Aboriginal+and+Torr
es+Strait+Islander+Health+Services-1lp
Admin: 03 9928 87 41
Crisis: 03 95942289
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Responding to concerning sexual
behaviours in children and young
people: A learning resource for
carers and staff.
The Western Australian Government’s
Department of Child Protection has put
together a comprehensive resource
pack, which has been developed under
the National Framework for Protecting
Australia’s Children 2009-2020. The
pack includes DVDs for facilitators and
participants as well as a companion video
series. Also included are a facilitator’s
guide, a participant’s handbook and many
additional resources, which complement
the package.
Response ability – vocational
education and training resources:
children’s services.
Response Ability has developed a set of
educational materials and resources, which
are available online.
www.responseability.org/site/index.
cfm?display=183692
Principles for justice in child
well-being and protection –
SNAICC Policy Paper 2007
Within this short paper, there is a one-page
document entitled: Guiding principles for
children’s well being and protection.
See www.dcp.wa.gov.au for more details or
contact: corporate.communications@dcp.
wa.gov.au
Children’s Rights flyer by SNAICC
Family Action Centre: resources for
families, schools and communities
It gives basic but useful information about
the UN Convention of the Rights of the
Child in relation to Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander children. Accessible at: www.
snaicc.org.au/_uploads/rsfil/02563.pdf
The Family Action Centre, based out of the
University of Newcastle in NSW, produces
a booklet that contains a wide range of
resources available for purchase. See
newcastle.edu.au/fac
Mental Health Resources for
Indigenous Young People
The Mental Health Alcohol Tobacco and
Other Drug Service have produced a set
of youth-friendly pamphlets on topics such
as trauma and self-harm/suicide. Copies
are free of charge and may be obtained by
calling the Alcohol and Drug Information
Service on 1800 177 833 or via download
from the following website:
The International Journal of
Narrative Therapy and Community
Work: Child Protection (2009, no.3).
This resource provides examples of
how narrative therapy can be used in
cultural contexts. It can be accessed at:
www.narrativetherapylibrary.com/childprotection-2009-no-3.html
www.dovetail.org.au/latest-news/2011/july/
mental-health-resources-for-indigenousyoung-people.aspx
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Specialist book providers
There has been a great increase in the number of books available talking about child
abuse and neglect. Some good on-line specialist book providers are listed below:
Australian Council of Educational
Research
A range of available publications may be
accessed on line at:
www.acerbookshop.com.au
this book covers child abuse (such as how
it can be prevented and managed) and
child protection.
Both of these publications can be ordered
from www.jojopublishing.com
Open Leaves
Open Leaves stocks and distributes books
with a focus on children and adolescents;
counselling; disability; health issues; human
relations; loss and grief; sexual assault; and
stress and trauma. Its mail order service
sends books and quarterly catalogues
Australia-wide.
1/109 Gladstone Rd
Highgate Hill, QLD, Australia, 4101
Tel: 07 38440169
Fax: 07 38441090
www.openleaves.com.au
Relationship Australia Bookshop
Provides specialised resources in
mental health, relationships, life skills,
suicide, grief, abuse and violence, child
sexual assault, counselling, parenting and
adolescent issues.
www.relationships.seekbooks.com.au
The Koorie Heritage Trust
www.koorieheritagetrust.com/the_koorie_
gift_shop/books
Child Protection books by Professor
Freda Briggs
Smart Parenting for Safer Kids
This book is a contemporary guide to
parenting issues in Western society
focussing on how to ensure that children
are safe.
Child Protection – The Essential Guide
Designed for anyone working with children,
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Educational videos/DVDs/audios are often difficult to find, especially for a remote
service. Some of the videos noted below are no longer for sale, but are still be available
from some libraries. So ask your nearest public library to see if they can source the
video/CD for you. The National Child Protection Clearinghouse is a good source of
updated video resources. www.aifs.gov.au/nch/bib/videos.html
Sharing messages – a video and
learning package for the Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Family
Decision Making Program (AFDM)
A learning resource developed by
Indigenous Initiatives in conjunction
with the Child Protection Professional
Development Unit. The learning resources
contain DVD, facilitators notes and session
notes. Download notes from the website
43 pages (the video/DVD is not accessible
from the website.)
A resource for young Aboriginal women
providing information and assistance about
dealing with sexual assault, developed in
South Australia. Living Safe and Growing
Strong resulted from a camp, run by the
Women’s Legal Service (SA), for young
Aboriginal women, where stories regarding
sexual assault were voiced and the need for
further specialised resources was expressed.
Victorian Department of Human Services
DVD/video – duration 15 minutes and booklet.
GMV Productions and The Women’s Legal
Service (08) 8231 8929
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/
plans,-programs-and-projects/projects-andinitiatives/children,-youth-and-family-services/
aboriginal-family-decision-making-sharingmessages
Safer Lives, Better Health (2006)
Who Feels the Children’s Pain?
Children are often the forgotten victims of
domestic violence. This excellent video
is narrated and presented by Aboriginal
women and set in Cape York. Who feels
the Children’s Pain shows how adults
need to consider the needs of children
who have witnessed violence and shows
the important role of grandparents and
extended family members. Workers are
urged to help children who are witnessing
family violence and communities are
encouraged to break the cycle of violence.
DVD duration 20 minutes. Produced by Cape
York RAATSIC Advisory Association
www.raatsicc.org.au
Movie is available on the cd in the Through
Young Black Eyes Workshop Kit.
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Living Safe and Growing Strong
(2005)
Safer Lives, Better Health is a DVD produced
by the NSW Education Centre Against
Violence to promote better understanding
and support for people affected by
domestic/family violence.
People with personal experiences of
Aboriginal family violence are interviewed, as
well as health and inter-agency workers. The
workers reflect upon a range of responses
which fit with current understandings of
good practice. Two role plays show health
workers identifying and responding to
domestic violence by assessing indicators
and conducting routine screening. The
people interviewed in the DVD contribute
to an understanding of the dynamics of
domestic/family violence, the tactics used to
perpetrate domestic/family violence and the
short and long-term health and social effects
on those who are victimized. The content is
relevant to workers from a range of services
and states.
DVD duration 100 minutes. Education Centre
Against Violence, NSW Health
Ph: (02) 9840 3737
www.ecav.health.nsw.gov.au/ecav/index.
asp?pg=12&s=RV
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Anti-Violence Against Koori Women
and Children Group Video (1999)
In January 1998 a meeting was held at
Katungal Aboriginal Corporation Community
and Medical Service to talk about violence
against Aboriginal women. Out of this
meeting the Anti-Violence Against Koori
Women and Children Group was formed to
put strategies in place to reduce violence
against Aboriginal women and children on
the south-east coast of NSW. This video,
and the camps shown in this video, are just
two of many of the group’s initiatives. Held
in only one mainstream library.
talking. This video shows the seriousness
of child sexual assault and the difficulties
of facing a family and community where
sexual abuse is happening. It encourages
discussion about the effects of sexual
abuse, the things offenders might do to
trap children and families, and what needs
to happen to protect children.
Produced by Country of Oz, for Education
Centre Against Violence
Locked Mail Bag 7118, Parramatta BC,
Sydney NSW 2151. Ph: (02) 9840 3737
Who’s the Loser? (1999)
Video duration 22 minutes. Produced by Fast
Imadgin Communications
Sharon’s Story (1999)
A young Aboriginal woman comes to realise
that her relationship with her boyfriend isn’t
as it appears. With the help of her friends,
she takes time to look at herself and her
values as a young woman facing the truth
about were her life is going. Is this what she
wants for herself, and does she have the
courage to change it?
The video looks at the controversial issues
of violence within relationships between
young Aboriginal people. It aims to give
young women a better understanding of
their legal rights in the event of domestic
violence and sexual assault. It raises
awareness of what some individuals
consider acceptable in a relationship and
aims to provide them with the appropriate
information and required steps to take.
Duration 22 minutes. Produced/directed by
Cathy Henkel. Hatchling Productions.
This is a story about the serious impact of
family violence on individuals, families and
communities. At a card game, Janet talks
to her friend Gwen about what’s happening
at home. Janet recalls the good times with
her partner Mike, and the children. She also
remembers the times when Mike is violent.
Janet begins to talk about the dilemmas
she is facing and how she feels trapped
by Mike’s abuse. We witness her fear, and
her growing concern about what Mike’s
violence is doing to the children. As Janet’s
friends come to understand more about her
situation they respond supportively and we
see Aboriginal men and women working
together to keep Janet and the children
safe. The video shows the dilemmas facing
those affected by family violence and how
one community chooses to take a stand.
This video is still available for sale and is
available from many mainstream libraries.
Video duration 20 minute and 13 page
pamphlet. Produced by Country of Oz, for
Education Centre Against Violence. Locked
Mail Bag 7118, Parramatta BC, Sydney NSW
2151 Ph: (02) 9840 3737 [email protected].
gov.au
Big Shame
This is a story about child sexual assault.
Emma is being abused by her grandfather,
a well respected elder in the Aboriginal
community. Emma has lost interest in
netball, school and even her friends. She
thinks she’s the only one this is happening
to and has been feeling terrible about
herself. Her grandfather has tricked her into
believing the abuse is her fault and keeping
it a secret. Then Emma’s cousin Meril
comes to a family barbeque and they start
Seven Dimensions TV
7DTV features a section on conflict and
difficult people, which includes a range
of training films around responding to
domestic violence and family conflict,
bullying and dealing with abuse. They
also have programs on sexual health.
The website has a series of resources for
children, including Finding My Magic –
Children’s Rights Series, featuring Cathy
Freeman, which includes short episodes
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such as “My Right to a Good Home’, ‘Keep
Me Safe’ and ‘Don’t Exploit Me’.
For a full list and prices see the website. Films
are available on DVD or streaming.
www.7d-tv.com
They Took The Children Away
Aboriginal Family Experiences
Thousands of Aboriginal children have been
taken from their families. The removal of
indigenous children has had devastating
effects on the traditional family life of
Aboriginal communities. The Aboriginal
people interviewed in this program
hope that by telling their stories they are
contributing to a greater understanding
between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
Australians. Themes covered include the
effect on families caused by the removal of
children and the ways in which separation
occurred.
http://www.marcom.com.au/product_details.
php?prod=6MATCA
Responding to sexual violence:
working with Aboriginal
adolescents and adults (2005)
This DVD depicts two counselling sessions,
one with an adolescent Aboriginal girl
who has experienced sexual abuse; the
second with an Aboriginal woman who
experienced sexual abuse as a child. The
video demonstrates general counselling
skills, working within a cultural context, and
responding to disclosures of sexual assault
and child sexual abuse. Training notes with
key questions and issues for discussion
accompany the video.
DVD duration 25 minutes and brief training
notes. Sexual Assault Resource Centre, Perth
PO Box 842, Subiaco, WA 6904
www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au/services/sarc/
publications.htm
Choose with care: building child
safe organisations: an information
and training program (2001)
This information and training program
is designed to assist organisations to
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establish a safe environment for the
children and young people in their care
and provide a systematic and user friendly
guide to child protection. The goal is to
inspire child focused organisations to gain
a greater understanding of child abuse,
to recognise how it can and does exist
in organisations, and to assist workers to
take decisive, informed and manageable
steps towards establishing a child safe
environment.
DVD 183 page handbook and workbook,
McMenamin, B; Fitzgerald, P.
South Melbourne, Vic: ECPAT
Ph: 03 9645 8911
Fax: 03 9645 8922
http://www.childwise.net/Resources/
order-publications.html
Creating the future: a resource
kit for children about domestic
violence and abuse (2000)
This kit aims to assist children and families
to talk about their experiences of domestic
violence and abuse, to understand the
effects on their lives and relationships,
and to develop and strengthen positive
relationships based on equality and
respect. Suitable for use by workers whose
clients are 5–12 year old children and their
families in health, welfare, educational and
therapeutic contexts. The kit includes a
leader’s handbook, a video/DVD divided
into seven sections, an activity book for
each section or story, the audio soundtrack
for all the stories, and a poster which
features all the puppet characters. It
includes and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander specific module, narrated by Ernie
Dingo. The author Chris Burke is a Darug
descendent.
Duration: 60 minute video/DVD, stickers,
poster and book. Written and distributed by
Chris Burke. Produced by Jannawi Family
Centre (02) 9555 0500.
www.gracieproductions.com.au
Lani’s Story
Lani’s Story follows a woman’s experience
of two relationships – one she has to
escape to survive, the other she cannot
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survive without. It is a moving and intimate
portrait of a young Aboriginal woman’s
journey from victim to victor, from a broken
and violent relationship to discovering the
redemptive power of love. Lani’s Story also
explores the impact of intergenerational
violence within a family and community
and how the courage of one person can
transform the lives of others.
www.blackfellafilms.com.au
The Rural Health Education
Foundation Films:
It Takes a Village
A half-hour program which illustrates the
belief that strong communities and support
networks are essential to the effective
functioning of families, and help them to
provide a safe and healthy environment for
their children. The program features three
filmed case studies of interventions that
aim to reduce isolation and build stronger
networks and communities.
Stay Strong
A half-hour program which focuses on the
challenge for Aboriginal children in the 6
to 12 years age group to “stay strong”.
The program examines some successful
community-based health and education
initiatives that put an emphasis on
prevention and health promotion.
Strong and Deadly
A half-hour program which focuses on
Aboriginal people in the 12-18 years
age-group who have grown up against
a background of entrenched social and
economic disadvantage, and in many
cases have experienced stressful life
events. The program presents several
community-based initiatives that draw on
culture to provide programs that are having
a significant impact on the health and
well-being of Aboriginal children.
Phone: (02) 6232 5480
Fax: (02) 6232 5484
www.rhef.com.au/about-us/indigenous-health
Three Boys Dreaming
Young Aboriginal AFL players from
around Australia are brought together for
a week-long talent camp in Melbourne
in 2005. The film follows three boys over
four years, including struggles in their
families. One boy grapples with the death
of his father and faces criminal charges for
an assault. For another, lack of ambition
and an unwillingness to do the hard work
required to succeed. The third boy has
a steely determination, makes it all the
way into the AFL and is recruited by the
famous Carlton Football Club. Website also
includes a study guide.
www.roninfilms.com.au/feature/5102/
three-boys-dreaming.html
Yajilarra: to dream: Aboriginal
women leading change in remote
Australia.
Yajilarra is a film about a group of
Aboriginal women from Fitzroy Crossing in
remote northern Western Australia. They
are determined to save the town from
the affliction of alcohol abuse, domestic
violence and foetal alcohol syndrome. The
women in Yajilarra decide that enough is
enough. Their community has experienced
13 suicides in 13 months. Reports of family
violence and child abuse are commonplace
and alcohol consumption is rising at
an alarming rate. Acknowledging that
something has to be done urgently, and
that things have to change, the Aboriginal
women from across Fitzroy Valley came
together. With the support of many men,
they stand up for a future, for everyone in
their community. The results are inspiring
and have set the community on a path of
healing.
Marninwarntikura Fitzroy Women’s Resource
Centre
Lot 284 Balannjangarri Rd, Fitzroy Crossing,
WA 6765
PO Box 43 Fitzroy Crossing WA 6765
Phone: 08 9191 5284
Children, carer and country
This DVD is an outcome of a four-year
action research project in the West
Kimberley. It informs early childhood
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educators and children’s services
practitioners on the process for building
culturally relevant and respectful children’s
education settings for remote Aboriginal
Communities. The practices in the DVD are
relevant to all children’s setting in Australia.
Five interrelated topics are used to illustrate
the process: language, culture and identity;
learning and growing respectfully together;
learning on country; building relationships
and partnerships; culturally responsive
children’s setting”www.geocities.com/glendamacnaughton/
CCC/indexccc.html
Gammin Love
A dramatic short educational film for young
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men
and women on sexual assault and violence.
The film depicts two young women,
responding to the reality of violence in their
lives. There is an accompanying booklet for
use when showing the film, which includes
instructions and learning activities in order
to use the film in expanding knowledge
about sexual assault and domestic
violence.
Finding hidden stories of strength
and skills: Using the Tree of Life
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children (DVD)
Dulwich Centre Foundation
www.narrativetherapylibrary.com/findinghidden-stories-of-strength-and-skills-using-thetree-of-life-with-aboriginal-and-torres-straitislander-children.html
Desert Pea Media
Offers a hip-hop program specifically
designed for Aboriginal communities.
Desert Pea use hip-hop to develop
storytelling techniques with children. Their
website features many clips by children
on identity, culture and country, as well
as family violence and social issues for
Aboriginal people.
www.desertpea.org.au
www.youtube.com/user/
DesertPeaMedia?feature=watch
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqV_M4iLfM4
Yolngu Boy
Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
25 Gap Road
PO Box 1604
Ph: (08) 8951 4400
Fax: (08) 8953 0350
www.caac.org.au
The film is about three Aboriginal
teenagers, trekking in the NT after one
has been released from prison. The story
confronts the impact of petrol sniffing
and the young men find themselves in
trouble with the police. The website also
features an education kit, to work through
with students, and parts could be used in
community workshops with children.
www.yolnguboy.com
Our generation
Samson and Delilah
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Featuring the voices of youth, men, women
and elders from remote communities in
the Northern Territory, Aboriginal leaders
and personalities from across the country,
as well as academics, lawyers and
international activists, the film opens the
way for dialogue on how Australia can
move forward with genuine respect and
partnership with its First Peoples. Into a
future where solutions come from working
together, rather than being dictated
Filmed in and around Alice Springs. The
movie is about two Aboriginal teenagers
living in a remote Aboriginal community.
Samson and Delilah steal a car, and
travel to Alice, as a break out from their
community. The film looks at the impact
of petrol sniffing, substance abuse and
survival. It makes for tough but important
watching. An education kit can be
accessed through the website.
www.ourgeneration.org.au
www.samsonanddelilah.com.au
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Here I Am
italk library
A feature-length about a young woman
recently released from prison, and the
hardship connected to getting on her feet
and gaining the acceptance of her mother
and daughter.
Features movies addressing family
violence, such as The Court Story: Learn
how Witness Assistance Service in the
Northern Territory can help you. As well
as movies addressing men’s violence for
the Indigenous Family Violent Offending
Program. Many films are available in
multiple languages. See website for full
details.
www.hereiamfilm.com
In my father’s country
In a remote areas of Northern Australia,
this film depicts a traditional Aboriginal
ceremony taking place. Seven year-old
Ananais is participating in a sacred initiation
ritual. This documentary gives an insight
into how this community will balance their
traditions and its modern future as they see
their culture in decline and abuse.
www.inmyfatherscountry.com
www.italklibrary.com
U Strong? Stop Violence
Features four short films about stopping
violence. Written, produced and directed
by the Digital Culture Crew from the remote
community of Beswick (Wugularr).
For more information contact the Katherine
Women’s Crisis Centre on
(08) 8972 1332.
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A strengths based approach is based on the idea that all people have strengths and
resources for their own empowerment. There are many new strength-based resources
available for working with children, teaching them protective behaviours. Here are just
a few.
St Luke’s Innovative Resources
St Luke’s Innovative Resources publishes
and sells beautiful strengths-based card
packs, books, stickers, posters and
other resources. The Strengths Cafe
sister website highlights stories about these
resources.
Shop and head office: 137 McCrae Street,
Bendigo, VIC 3550
Ph: (03) 5442 0500
Fax: (03) 5442 0555
www.innovativeresources.org
Feel Safe (2002)
An educational CD ROM promoting
self-protection for young people with
learning needs. Follow the story of six
young people aged 12–16 who learn
valuable self-protection skills. Nine games
teach self protection in a fun and interactive
way. Facilitator notes. Interactive areas
include: Who to talk to if you need help,
male and female body parts, wanted and
unwanted touch, body signs warning,
rules about touch, types of touch, feelings.
Windows 98 SE or later (IBM), 0S9 or later
(MAC).
Family Planning Queensland
Ph: (07) 3250 0240 www.fpq.com.au
with People; Step 4. What’s Special About
Our Family?; Step 5. Emergency Step 6.
Ready Yet?; Step 7. Make a Care Plan; 7
Steps to Safety Guide ... for people working
with parents, families, carers, children or
communities.
Developed by Merron Looney for the
Northern Territory Department of Health
and Community Services 2006
www.childrenandfamilies.nt.gov.au/
Families/7_Steps_to_Safety/
Ph: 1800 005 485
Talking it up! Aboriginal voices
in the formulation of policy that
works
Wesley Mission Victoria
www.apo.org.au/research/talking-itaboriginal-voices-formulation-policy-works
Journeys from Heartache to Hope,
and Journeys 2
The Nunkuwarrin Yunti Women’s Healing
Group, has recently been involved the
making of digital stories. “Journeys from
Heartache to Hope”
and
“Journeys 2” http://www.nunku.org.au/
index.php?option=com_content&task=view
&id=93&Itemid=190
7 Steps to Safety (2006)
The 7 Steps to Safety kit has been
developed in the NT to help parents,
families and carers give children the skills
and confidence they need to feel and be
safe at home. You can use all, some, or just
parts of the Steps. You know your children
best - adapt each Step to suit the needs of
your own family and culture. Download a
free copy of each step in 7 Steps to Safety,
as well as the guide and the brochure.
CTA is a not-for-profit organization based in
Houston, Texas
www.childtrauma.org
Playgroup Manual: everything you
need to know about playgroup (4th
Ed) - Kaye Plowman, DEECD
www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/nsw/files/
Playgroup_Manual_Book4_How_to_start_a_
playgroup.pdf
Step 1. Make Your Place Safe; Step 2. Cool
Tools for Family Rules; Step 3. Feel Safe
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Strong Women. Hard Yarns. Stories
and tips about domestic and family
violence
through active engagement in quality early
childhood education programs
www.noviolence.com.au/public/factsheets/
strongwomenhardyarns.pdf
www.det.nt.gov.au/parents-community/
early-childhood-services/families-as-firstteachers-program
Signs of Safety (a strengths-based,
safety-organised approach to child
protection casework)
Strength-based resources from
SNAICC.
www.signsofsafety.net
Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi – Doing
good work with families
Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal
Corporation is a community- based
organisation, working with Aboriginal
families in remote Central Australia and
the APY lands in South Australia. The
book Pipirri Palya – “Kids are Good” was
designed to provide practical assistance
to parents with babies and young children.
The book particularly aims to support
parents in their traditional settings and was
produced with the assistance of a Steering
Committee comprised of Aboriginal women
from remote communities. There are other
fantastic resources on the website.
www.waltja.org.au
Growing up strong Kooris (also
Cuchicums, Guring, Buraay,
Booris, Wonai, Jarjums)
Booklets for Aboriginal parents, families
and community workers
Information about growing up babies
and children from 0-5 years. Includes
information about what babies do at
different ages, ideas for things you can
do with babies , games and activities and
contacts to help with parenting. Each
booklet in the series is for a different
language area in NSW.
Culture Keeps Us Strong
A book for Aboriginal children by Aboriginal
children. Produced by the students from the
Marree Aboriginal School, South Australia.
In my family we are proud to be Nunga
A 16 page A5 book for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander children (set of 10)
Talking Up Our Strengths
22 full colour photo-montage images of
strengths and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander cultures, posters are also available
You’re A Dad
Seven storylines about being a Dad: a
20 page A5 poster booklet of photos and
stories/tips from Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Dads
Foster their Culture: Caring for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander children in
out-of-home care
To assist non-Indigenous foster carers
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children to keep the children connected
with their community and culture.
Growing Up Our Way - Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Child Rearing
Practices Matrix (2011)
This matrix aims to document some
traditional and contemporary child rearing
practices among a range of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander families and
communities.
For details on accessing these resources
see: www.snaicc.org.au
www.community.nsw.gov.au/docs_menu/
parents_carers_and_families/parenting/
for_aboriginal_parents_and_carers.html
Families as First
Teachers-Indigenous Parenting
Support Services Program
Resource books, posters and video that
builds family knowledge of early learning
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FaHCSIA Communities for Children
– Indigenous Parenting Services
The Parenting Services provide prevention
and early intervention activities to Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander children, families
and communities. They support Indigenous
families and children through transitions to
child care, pre-school and primary school
and help Indigenous parents address social,
cultural, personal, historical, and financial and
health factors that can present barriers to
effective parenting. For a full description and
listing, see the website.
www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/
families-and-children/programs-services/
family-support-program/family-and-children-sservices’
reduce stress from daily life situations for
parents and children. The FAST program
has been conducted in the Northern
Territory in urban areas and remote
indigenous communities.
www.familiesandschools.com.au
HIPPY (Home Interaction Program
for Parents and Youngsters)
HIPPY is a two-year, home-based
early childhood program for preschool
children targeting communities who have
experienced disadvantage. The HIPPY
Program has been conducted in many
disadvantaged communities, including at
La Perouse NSW with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander families.
Ph: (03) (03) 9445 2400
www.hippyaustralia.org.au
Hey Dad! For Indigenous Dads,
Uncles and Pops
Hey Dad aims to support Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander men by building
individual and community skills. The Hey
Dad For Indigenous Dads was launched
2007 in Tamworth and in the NSW Central
Coast region. Hey, Dad! For Dads, uncles
and pops is a strengths based program and
the men involved in the initial project are
still involved because they see it’s worth
for the children and their families. The
men are pleased to have a program which
will strengthen them as role models. The
program was developed within an action
research model and so was piloted in
regional, remote, urban communities and in
three Correctional Centres. It was externally
evaluated with positive outcomes.
Centacare Broken Bay (02) 4352 131
www.broomediocese.org/
kcp0805/0805centacare.htm
Families and Schools Together
(FAST)
Using a relationship building process FAST
aims to strengthen family functioning,
prevent school failure, prevent substance
abuse and other family members and
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Exploring Together and Let’s Start
The Exploring Together program is a targeted
program based on developmental principles,
and focuses on enhancing children’s social
and emotional learning, reducing problem
behaviour, improving parent-child interaction
and enhancing parenting. Let’s Start has
been adapted by the Let’s Start team for the
socially and culturally diverse circumstances
of Aboriginal children in the NT.
Ph: (04) 3887 9360
www.exploringtogether.com.aul
Aboriginal Counselling Services Aboriginal Parenting Practices
This program is aimed at parents and carers
of Koori children, including aunties, uncles,
mums, dads, grandparents, out-of-home
carers, etc. Many mainstream parenting
programs are not particularly culturally
sensitive or suitable. ACS has developed a
parenting program that is culturally sensitive
and incorporates cultural practices, within
a realistic environment. The program draws
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on the life experiences of the participants
and our facilitators. The program facilitators
are Koori parents who have experienced the
challenges of parenting, they are able to relate
to the participants and understand the whole
life experiences of the participants.
ACS also offer a wide range of culturally
sensitive counselling services, including
parenting and youth counselling, Aboriginal
Parenting Practices, identity (cultural, sexual
etc.) counselling; as well as counselling on
relationships, anger management, family/
domestic violence, grief and loss, gambling,
drug and alcohol, depression, anxiety, and
telephone counselling. ACS run workshops for
Clinical Debriefing, and Cultural Connections
as well as professional coaching. ACS also
have training for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
people on forging Cultural Connections. Other
workshops include Mental Health First Aid
and grief and loss work.
Aboriginal Parenting WA Guides:
‘Guiding our children, our way’
A set of 12 Parenting WA Guides which have
been written for and by Aboriginal people.
http://www.communities.wa.gov.au/parents/
ParentingWAGuides/apegs/Pages/default.
aspx
Boomerangs Coolamon Parenting
Program
The Boomerangs Coolamon Parenting
Program aims to provide culturally appropriate
camps/workshops that improve positive
parenting outcomes. These programs include
group sessions in a camp setting over two
individual 3 day/2 night camps approximately
six weeks apart.
South West Sydney Local Health District
Ph: 0407 277 904
http://www.archi.net.au/resources/delivery/
maternity/boomerangs-parenting
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Recent reports on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities, family violence and sexual assault
Additional reports, along with other research can be found over the page.
Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention
and Legal Service Victoria (FVPLS
Victoria) 2010, Improving accessibility
of the legal system for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander victims/survivors
of family violence and sexual assault,
Policy Paper Series June 2010. FVPLS
Victoria, Collingwood.
Cunneen, Chris 2009, Alternative and
Improved Responses to Domestic
and Family Violence in Queensland
Indigenous Communities Queensland
Government Department of
Communities, University of NSW Faculty
of Law
http://www.communities.qld.gov.
au/resources/communityservices/
violenceprevention/alternative-andimproved-responses-to-domesticand-family-violence-in-queenslandindigenous-communities.pdf
Council of Australian Government 2009,
National Framework for Protecting
Australia’s Children 2009–2020,
Department of Families, Housing,
Community Services and Indigenous
Affairs, Canberra
Council of Australian Governments 2011,
National framework for protecting
Australia’s children 2009–2020:
protecting children is everyone’s
business: annual report to the Council
of Australian Governments 2009–10.
Department of Families, Housing,
Community Services and Indigenous
Affairs, Canberra
Cripps K & Davis M 2012, Communities
working to reduce Indigenous
family violence, Indigenous Justice
Clearinghouse, Canberra
http://www.ilc.unsw.edu.au/sites/
ilc.unsw.edu.au/files/Research%20
Brief%20No%2012%20-%20Family%20
violence.pdf
Cripps, K. and Davis, M 2012, Communities
working to reduce Indigenous
family violence, Indigenous Justice
122
Clearinghouse Brief 12, Australian
Institute of Criminology. http://www.ilc.
unsw.edu.au/sites/ilc.unsw.edu.au/files/
Research%20Brief%20No%2012%20
-%20Family%20violence.pdf
Cummins, Scott and Scales 2012, Meeting
the needs of Aboriginal children
and young people In: Report of the
Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable
Children Inquiry. Melbourne: Victorian
Government: 271-310
http://www.childprotectioninquiry.
vic.gov.au/images/stories/inquiry/
volume2/cpi%207650%20web-pdf%20
volume%202%20protecting%20
victorias%20vulnerable%20
children%20inquiry_ch_12_bm.pdf
Department of Human Services (DHS)
2012, Indigenous Family Violence
Primary Prevention Framework, State of
Victoria, Department of Human Service,
Melbourne. http://www.dhs.vic.gov.
au/for-individuals/children,- familiesand-young-people/family-violence/
indigenous- family-violence
Domestic and Family Violence Death
Review Panel 2010, Report Of The
Domestic And Family Violence Death
Review Panel, Queensland Government
Department of Communities
http://www.communities.qld.gov.
au/resources/communityservices/
violenceprevention/death-review-panel.
pdf
Farrelly, Terri, & Lumby, Bronwyn, 2009,
Family Violence, Help-Seeking & The
Close-Knit Aboriginal Community:
Lessons For Mainstream Service
Provision Australian Domestic & Family
Violence Clearinghouse Sydney
http://www.adfvc.unsw.edu.au/
PDF%20files/Issues%20Paper_19.pdf
Indigenous Law Centre 2010, Sexual
violence and Indigenous victims:
women, children and the criminal justice
system. Indigenous Law Centre, Sydney
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http://www.ilc.unsw.edu.au/sites/ilc.
unsw.edu.au/files/mdocs/Sexual%20
Violence%20Research%20Brief%20
No.1.pdf
Lohoar S. 2012, Safe and supportive
Indigenous families and communities
for children: a synopsis and critique
of Australian research. Child Family
Community Australia, Melbourne http://
www.aifs.gov.au/cfca/pubs/papers/
a142302/02.html
McDonald, Higgins, Valentine and Lamont
2011, Protecting Australia’s children
research audit (1995–2010): Final
report, The Australian Institute of Family
Studies, Melbourne.
O’Brien, W. 2010, Australia’s response
to sexualised or sexually abusive
behaviours in children and young
people. Australian Crime Commission,
Canberra
http://www.crimecommission.gov.au/
sites/default/files/files/other/NIITF-PSBREPORT-2010.pdf
Office of the Victims of Crime Coordinator
2009, We don’t shoot our wounded:
what Aboriginal victims of family
violence say about the violence,
their access to justice and access to
services in the ACT: community report
Australian Capital Territory. http://
www.unb.ca/observ/documents/
Wedontshootourwounded.pdf
Select Committee On Youth Suicides In
The Northern Territory, 2012, Gone Too
Soon:
A Report Into Youth Suicide In The Northern
Territory Committee Report March 2012,
Legislative Assembly Of The Northern
Territory, 11th Assembly
http://www.nt.gov.au/lant/
parliamentary-business/committees/
ctc/youth-suicides/Final_Report_on_
Youth_Suicides.pdf
Scott D. 2012, Child protection and
children. Australian Institute of Family
Studies, Canberra
http://www.aifs.gov.au/cfca/pubs/
factsheets/a142117/index.html
Western Australia Family and Domestic
Violence Unit 2007, Western Australian
family and domestic violence action
plan 2007–2008. Western Australia
Department for Communities, Perth
Willis, M. 2011, Non-disclosure of violence
in Australian Indigenous communities
Trends & issues in crime and criminal
justice No. 405 January 2011, Australian
Institute of Criminology, Canberra.
http://www.aic.gov.au/
documents/9/1/2/%7B912F0370E989-4041-8867A18BB33A4089%7Dtandi405.pdf
Queensland Indigenous Family Violence
Prevention Forum, 9 - 10 May 2012,
Forum Report Culture And Healing –
The Hard Yarns, Central Queensland
University, Queensland Centre
for Domestic and Family Violence
Research, http://www.noviolence.com.
au/public/forum2012/2012forumreport.
pdf
Robinson E, Miller R, Price-Robertson R,
Carrington A. 2012, Children and their
families: best interests case practice
model: specialist practice resource.
Victorian Department of Human
Services, Melbourne
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