We prevent child abuse
The prevention of child abuse is a foundational commitment inherent in the mission and work of the Australian Childhood Foundation.
Many people think that dealing with the problem of child abuse is the responsibility of someone else. Some say it is the job of parents and families to make sure children are safe. Some say it is the role of the police or the government to do something about child abuse. Very often these services only get involved after the abuse has happened. They cannot prevent it happening in the first place. They cannot intervene early unless somebody tells them there is a problem.
The reality is that all adults have a part to play in preventing child abuse. Neighbours, friends, shopkeepers, teachers and sporting coaches are among the many adults who can have a role in keeping children in our community safe from harm. Child abuse will only stop if we all play a part.
We actively work to reduce the number of children who are traumatised by abuse and family violence in Australia each year. In order to achieve this objective, the Australian Childhood Foundation supports the whole of the community to:
- better understand and appreciate children’s entitlements and needs,
- foster positive and respectful relationships between adults and children,
- improve awareness of the extent and impact of child abuse,
- enhance everyone’s capacity to ensure the early identification of and intervention in families where a child may be at risk of abuse,
- believe children when they tell adults about their experiences of abuse.
Visit our other websites about parenting (www.kidscount.com.au) and child protection (www.stopchildabuse.com.au) to find out about how you can make a real difference.