We are all responsible for the safety of children: and it’s time to act

The social norm
that children should be seen but not heard, which prevailed for unknown
decades, provided the opportunity for some adults to abuse the power. – Hon
Justice McLennan

All children and young people have the right to be heard, and the right to be
safe.

The
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse saw more
than 6,000 people come forward to share their stories. In the wake of the Royal
Commission, we have seen several high profile cases reach the courts and the
media, with the hope that survivors will see justice.

These
cases shone a light on the positions of power and privilege that some
perpetrators cultivate. However it is vital that we acknowledge that children
are not only harmed by those who hold power. As a society, we must listen to
and believe children – there can be no exception.

We
must stand with victims and survivors.

Institutional
child abuse is not a relic of the past – it can and does happen today. The
Royal Commission and the Victoria Betrayal of Trust Inquiry highlighted our
institutions’ failures to protect children. Every individual, institution,
government and organisation must acknowledge their own power and responsibility
in preventing child abuse.

Child
Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct schemes are vital in maintaining safe
environments for children, but these tools should be a starting point. We must
move beyond ticking boxes and basic training, and implement a sustainable and
holistic service delivery system that is child-centred. 

The
role of governments must be acknowledged, and adequate resourcing must be
provided to child and family services to ensure funding is available for the
staffing, training and structures required to be able to respond to the needs
of every child. Organisations must be empowered to revolutionise the way we
work with and for children and young people.

Above
all, all of us must listen, and we must act.

“For children and for the sake
of the truth, the message needs to be clear that you don’t have to keep
people’s secrets. That’s the only way things will change,” –
survivor, Royal Commission.