Protect children against abuse

THIS week is National Child Protection Week, a time to reflect on child protection issues and promote the wellbeing of our young people. 

Reports of child abuse are overwhelming and give witness to the lack of accountability for adults who abuse young people. 

Sadly, some communities are looking the other way, ignoring the abuse of children because this is the easiest option. 

People don’t want to get involved in notifying assaults on our young people because of the fear of consequences from perpetrators. 

We have lost the ability for adults to serve as collective parents for all the young people in our neighbourhood.

Nothing is more important than protecting our vulnerable children from abuse and neglect. 

Child abuse goes beyond the tears and pain experienced in childhood. 

Victims endure a lifetime of psychological and emotional distress.

We, as a society, must ensure we provide our children with a safe and supportive environment, so  they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The first step is for us, as adults, to report the abuse of our young people. 

Every adult must be responsible for every child, whether you are their friend, family member, the local shopkeeper, doctor or anyone else who is part of a child’s life. 

Organisations that work with young people need to report abuse complaints. 

There should be no exception to mandatory reporting.

We need to listen to what is happening to our young people, speak up and get help when our children are in trouble.

More needs to be done to create a safe and comfortable environment for one of Australia’s most at-risk demographics.