Children's Commissioner calls for more action on family violence

Before continuing to access this piece, readers should be aware that it discusses sensitive subjects relating to domestic and family violence, and should consider their own circumstances when engaging with the content. A list of support services has been provided at the conclusion of the story.

National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds has spoken out following the tragic death of three children in Sydney’s western suburbs recently in what appears to be a family violence related crime.

The incident, Ms Hollonds said, should serve as “yet another reminder of the fact that children are not just ‘witnesses’ of domestic, family and sexual violence - they are victims in their own right.”

“Often, media reports focus on single incidents involving women, and these are all horrific crimes,” Commissioner Hollonds said. “But beyond a brief mention of the children who ‘witnessed’ their mother being murdered, we don’t often get to hear about the lifetime of trauma that has potentially shaped their childhood.”

A recent ANROWS report on filicides in Australia revealed that intimate partner violence and family violence are significant risk factors for these killings. The research also found that in cases of filicide where there was a context of domestic violence, children were often not reported as a victim of violence to authorities. “There is a Rapid Review underway with an expert panel investigating opportunities for prevention of violence against women,” Commissioner Hollonds continued. “Evidence shows that if we are serious about ending violence against adult women, we need to get serious about stopping violence experienced in childhood. This is the hidden prevention opportunity that has been ignored.”

“Just as women’s safety is a key priority for the National Cabinet, we need children’s safety and wellbeing to be made a national priority. Despite decades of evidence, there is currently a lack of accountability and urgency for change.”

Readers who need advice, support or recommendations in relation to domestic and family violence are encouraged to connect with the following services:

Lifeline13 11 14

Kids Helpline1800 55 1800

13 YARN13 92 76

1800RESPECT1800 737 732

MensLine Australia1300 789 978

Beyond Blue1300 22 4636