New national report finds children's voices are the key to ending violence before it begins

This article discusses child safety, violence prevention and abuse-related themes which may be distressing for some readers.

A new national report released by the Australian Human Rights Commission highlights the power of positive relationships, and the critical importance of listening to children, when designing the systems, services and supports that shape their lives.

We’re talking about stopping violence before it begins: Supporting Quality Engagement with Children draws on the insights of more than 300 children and young people from across Australia. It offers a hopeful, evidence-based roadmap for building respectful, safe and supportive relationships and preventing violence before it starts.

 

At the heart of the report is a clear message: children understand what safe and positive relationships look like and they want to be part of the solutions that will improve the systems and policies affecting their lives.Children described positive relationships as supportive, respectful and kind, built on trust, communication and fairness. They emphasised the importance of being able to be themselves, work through challenges, and feel safe, heard and valued.

 

The report highlights the critical role of families, schools, communities, media and online environments in shaping these relationships and the opportunity to strengthen them through early intervention and prevention.

 

National Children’s Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris said children’s insights must drive action.

 

‘Children and young people have told us what they need to feel safe and we must listen,’ Commissioner Tsorbaris said.

 

‘Their ideas can help shape policies and programs that truly work. By listening and acting on their views, we can better support all children and young people to realise their right to live free from violence.

 

‘This report shows that prevention starts early. If we listen to children and invest in the relationships and environments that shape their lives, we can stop violence before it begins.’ 

The report finds that children’s understanding of relationships is shaped by their lived experiences and factors such as gender inequality, racism, poverty, housing insecurity and intergenerational trauma can create environments where harm occurs.
The report makes 8 recommendations aimed at embedding children’s voices into prevention systems and strengthening Australia’s response to  gender‑based violence. 

 

Key recommendations include: 

• embedding genuine child and youth participation in all relevant national strategies 
• improving coordination across government on child safety and wellbeing 
• delivering nationally consistent, age‑appropriate respectful relationships education 
• investing in place‑based and community‑led prevention programs, including First Nations‑led initiatives 
• strengthening action to protect children’s rights in online and media environments. 

The report urges governments to align these actions within the existing national frameworks, rather than creating new initiatives that are disconnected. 

This report is the third and final part of the Commission’s 3-year Supporting Quality Engagement with Children (SQE) project, funded by the Department of Social Services, and directly informs

Australia’s National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032. 

Read the full report on our website,

If you or someone you know needs support, contact:

• 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au
• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800