Introduction

Home: Family & Friends: About Child Abuse: Child physical abuse

Children have the right to be physically and emotionally safe at all times. It is the responsibility of adults within the family, the community and the State to ensure that children are safe and that their needs are met.

The effects of physical abuse upon children can be traumatic and long-lasting, in some cases physical abuse results in the death of a child.

Protective Services within the Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for investigations of alleged abuse or neglect of children. In Victoria, for the purpose of child protection, a child is legally defined as a person under the age of 17 years.*

In 1993 the Victorian Government introduced mandatory reporting legislation which requires certain groups of professionals to report possible cases of physical injury which result from abuse or neglect, as well as sexual abuse, to Protective Services. This legislation has already led to an increase in reports of child physical abuse.

This booklet has been developed for professionals whose work brings them into contact with children and who are required by law to report child physical abuse. It contains information concerning:

• Definitions;
• Indicators;
• Effects;
• Legislation;
• How to report child physical abuse; and
• How to help and protect children who have been physically abused.

The booklet identifies some of the commonly held beliefs about child physical abuse and how these may affect our ability to acknowledge and respond effectively when faced with this situation. This booklet will help you respond to this serious problem.

*In accordance with the legal definition, this booklet uses the term 'child' to refer to all people, younger children and adolescents, under the age of 17 years.

Sponsor

Department of Human Services

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 12 Jul 2003