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Date: 5th September 2004 Ref No. 2104
Tackling Child Abuse is Everyone's Business
UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide joins other members of NAPCAN (the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) from September 5 to 11 to urge governments and communities to work together to address child abuse and neglect before it happens.
Child abuse and neglect remain serious social problems in Australia. Last year 40,000 children were identified as abused and/or neglected – a 33% increase on the previous year. This week is National Child Protection Week, when we focus our attention on the importance of taking action .
UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide Minister, Rev Dr Murray Muirhead, said “protecting children is everyone’s business. National Child Protection Week reminds us that we all have a responsibility to watch out for our children.”
UnitingCare Wesley is particularly concerned for children living in communities experiencing high levels of disadvantage.”
“From our experience as a provider of services for children and families, we know that children living in disadvantaged or vulnerable communities face additional risk if their parents feel overwhelmed by problems, and by a lack of support,” explained Rev. Muirhead.
“One way to protect these children is to reduce the impacts and incidence of poverty and social stress – things like substance misuse, mental illness and isolation – which can all contribute to abuse and neglect.”
UnitingCare Wesley believes approaches that concentrate on the prevention of child abuse are critical in addressing this issue. Governments and the community sector need to work together over the long term to ensure all children have strong, loving environments in which to grow.
“Programs like sustained home visiting, respite care and intensive family programs can make all the difference,” Rev. Muirhead said.
“There is significant research to show that engaging the whole community generates greater results by minimising immediate risks and preventing long-term abuse.
“UnitingCare Wesley calls on all governments, service providers and the community to work together and show a commitment to further expand these types of programs,” he said.
National Child Protection Week will be held from 5th-11th September 2004. This year NAPCAN is encouraging all Australians to get together for kids by holding an event that brings families, friends, workmates, neighbours, clubs or spiritual groups together in support of parents and children.
For more information about National Child Protection Week visit www.napcan.org.au
or contact NAPCAN on 1800 126 456.
Further Information and Comment
Rev Dr Murray Muirhead, Tel: 0408 833 419
Minister, UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide 8534 4127 (ah)
8202 5880 (w)
