The focus of National Child Protection Week (7th-13th September 2025) is to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect.
Child protection week reminds us that every child needs and deserves to be nurtured and protected.”
Ly Johnson, Coordinator Western Sydney Integrated Violence Prevention & Response Service
Child abuse and neglect is preventable if we work together as a community so children can grow up safe and well.
The theme this year is Every conversation matters: Shifting conversation to action, highlighting the need to take meaningful action against child abuse and neglect.
As part of Child Protection week, the Integrated Violence Prevention and Response Service (IVPRS) would like to highlight the importance of seeing, hearing and understanding the voices and experiences of children who are impacted by domestic and family violence.
Domestic and family violence affects people from all walks of life and it can be confronting to respond to disclosures from adults and children who are being subjected to abuse.
Remember that when we are responding to adults who are experiencing domestic and family violence, they may be connected to children in their lives that are also being impacted by that violence.
Growing up an environment of family violence can have a profound impact on a child’s life.”
Jenna Tarudeyataworn, IVPRS Community Development Counsellor
Even when children are not directly witnessing violence and abuse, they can still be affected by the violence and abuse, leaving them feeling hurt, frightened, ignored, blamed and alone.
Children may not always be able to say how they feel about being impacted by domestic and family violence because they may be trying to protect people that they know and love.
Sometimes their feelings can be expressed through challenging behaviours, which could be their way of seeking help and protection. It is important that we remain curious and ask the right questions about the child’s experience and what they are feeling.
Remember to ask adults about whether they have children in their care and to think about the voices and experiences of those children if domestic and family violence is suspected or has been disclosed. It is important to believe what has been disclosed and respond appropriately (see some of the options noted below).
If you are worried about a child or young person contact the Child Protection Helpline (132 111) or the Child Wellbeing Unit (1300 480 420).
If you need to consult about a child protection case or a disclosure please call Social Work (for Hospital inpatients) or IVPRS (9881 8787).
If you are a child or young person and would like to talk to someone please call the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.