NAPCAN experts call for National Summit to prevent child maltreatment

National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) CEO Leesa Waters has joined with other experts in the field of child protection in calling for a National Summit to Prevent Child Maltreatment at the official launch of Child Protection Week. 

 

“It’s not fair that three out of five – that’s 60 per cent – of Australians experience at least one form of maltreatment in childhood – either physical, emotional, sexual, domestic violence or neglect.”

 

The key message from the recently released Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS), she said, is “we can’t afford NOT to act”. 

 

“This world-first study is an incredible opportunity for all Australians. It gives us the evidence we need – about rates of abuse, about potential impacts, and about protective factors – to show that child abuse can be prevented. Critically, it tells us loud and clear that child abuse is a community issue that requires an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach.”

 

Representatives and advocates from the child protection space have sent a letter to the Prime Minister urging the government to make children a national priority and to initiate the National Summit.

 

Professor Daryl Higgins, Director of ACU’s Institute of Child Protection Studies who worked on the ACMS, said the time has come for action.

 

“We need national political will and action to better support families, and enhance safeguarding in our schools, childcare (sic.) centres, and other child-facing institutions,” he said. 

 

“A National Summit is a chance to bring all stakeholders together in one room, at one time, to create a consensus around what needs to be done – urgently – to prevent harm to children.”

 

Ms Waters said such a Summit would bring together decision-makers, community leaders, industry experts – and most importantly those with lived experiences – to talk openly and honestly about what is working and not working.

 

“I believe passionately that we need to involve the voices of children and young people and their parents, every single step of the way,” she said. 

 

“This call recognises decades of important work across the child welfare sector, and the many organisations, researchers, practitioners and government agencies who have long been advocating for greater investment in primary prevention.” 

 

“By joining together we are amplifying our voices and our actions to ensure that every child in every community has the opportunity to grow up loved and safe. We know that what happens to us in childhood – both positive and negative – shapes how our brains grow, and our future health and wellbeing. We need to work together to get this right.”