Child Protection Alliance Calls for Bespoke Early Intervention Solutions for Domestic and Family Violence
2 May 2024
Allies for Children is calling on State and Federal Governments to work in partnership with communities on practical prevention measures, early intervention programs and funding for frontline services that also prioritise the prevention of domestic and family violence and support for women and families experiencing violence in the home.
Whilst investment into crisis response is fundamental and necessary, yesterday’s announcement emphasises a gap in direct investments in early intervention, in child protective strategies and family support. Domestic and family violence is a leading driver of entry into child protection, putting families at greater risk of trauma and separation and increasing cost to taxpayers across the country.
We all need to take responsibility to end domestic violence and violence against women in Australia and as such, we’re calling for practical action from government to change the trajectory for women and children in this country.
Children's experience of domestic and family violence in the home has been increasingly recognised as a form of child abuse, both in Australia and internationally. Children who experience domestic and family violence are at a greater risk of serious long-term physical and mental health problems.
While the battle to change attitudes is an important one, there are practical interventions that need to be made now to support women and children across the nation. As such, these programs must be bespoke and in addition to the programs that are already being delivered to serve families, children and young people.
The impact of domestic and family violence goes far beyond the family unit, impacting our communities and future generations – Australia’s solutions to end domestic violence must do the same.
“Last year, Australians learnt the deeply sobering statistic that 39.6 per cent of the population had experienced exposure to domestic violence in childhood, according to the 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study. As Australians, we all need to stand up and challenge behaviours and attitudes in society that fuel domestic and family violence, coercive control and threaten the safety of families.”
- Katrina Lines, CEO of Act for Kids