Child Abuse
Children Deserve Protection
What is abuse
It is important to say that what is classed as abuse changes over time, with societal expectations changing. However, within a lot of western societies, which includes Australia, there is a clear description of what our society regards as child abuse.
Child abuse & neglect have five categories within them.
They are:
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physical abuse
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emotional maltreatment
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neglect
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sexual abuse and
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exposure to family violence
To educate yourself about the topic of ‘Child abuse and neglect’ and the definitions and meanings, please have a look at the Australian Government website:
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What does Umbrella Hearts want you to do
Umbrella Hearts awareness programme wants YOU to spread the word (it's that simple).
Wear the ribbon, talk to your neighbours, talk to your friends, your acquaintances, whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself.
Encourage others to join the ground swell of caring people having a voice for those who often have none, the victims of violence and our children.
Let it be known that you are one person who will not accept or turn a blind eye to violence or child abuse any more. You will do what you can to protect these vulnerable people and our children.
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What you should do if you suspect a child is being abused
Anyone who suspects, on reasonable grounds, that a child or young person is at risk of being neglected or physically, sexually or emotionally abused, should report it to their State's or Country's reporting authority.
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Above all, if you are aware abuse is going on, don't keep it to yourself, if you do keep it to yourself, you are complicit in the abuse.
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To report suspected child abuse or neglect within New South Wales - Australia,
call the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 (24 hours/7 days)
or
Police: 000 if abuse is occurring and help is needed immediately for the child's safety.
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OR:
Make yourself aware of your state or country's Child Protection
reporting process, and follow those.
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Helpful Information & Contacts for Australia
Child Family Community Australia
What is child abuse and neglect?
This site provides information about abuse, what it is and the different types of abuse.
General Public - Making a Report
Reporting Child abuse Contact details for each state and territory
Child Family Community Australia
Information about mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect
Mandatory Reporters - Making a Report
Mandatory Reporters = Reporting Child abuse Contact details for each state and territory
Napcan
NAPCAN offers training and programs Australia wide which focus on offering best practice in prevention of child abuse. View the training calendar to view and book programs in your area.
Child Abuse takes many forms
it is not just
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child trafficking
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child pornography exploitation
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children forced onto the street to beg or
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children forced into the sex trade
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children going without food or clothing
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children suffering intentionally inflicted hurt, broken bones, bruises, burns and poison ingestion
This list can go on and on, however, we are sure you understand this so we ask, will you step up?
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Your task should you choose to accept it
is to
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stand with us
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become a true 'community member' and stand up for our children's right to safety
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join with us and commit to not remaining silent about the known abuse occurring
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have the hard conversations
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be the child's umbrella {their shield}
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let it be known 'it is NOT OK to hurt a child'
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wear the Umbrella Ribbon with pride
Will you take up your umbrella?
