To mark Child Protection Week 2014 the Queensland Police Service is issuing a reminder to the public to stay vigilant and aware, communicate with your children and most importantly, take responsibility, as protecting children from abuse and neglect is truly everyone’s business.
Child Protection Week is celebrated across the country from September 7 to 13. Led by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), the week is aimed at raising awareness and preventing child abuse and neglect and highlighting the role we all play in its prevention.
“While no one really wants to think about it, child abuse of any nature is sadly something we have reported to us regularly. Raising awareness and educating the community these offences are occurring is a positive step towards preventing the next child becoming a victim.
“There is a common misconception out there that only ‘strangers’ are responsible for these offences. This is in fact very rarely the case and most often a family member or a person known to the family is responsible. Because of this, children often feel too frightened to speak up or alert somebody about what has happened,” Detective Inspector Peter Brewer of the Child Safety and Sexual Crime Group said.
The Child Safety and Sexual Crime Group, and State Child Protection Investigation Units form part of Queensland Police response to protecting children and the community by identifying, responding to and preventing physical and sexual offending.
The Group was established to investigate child abuse, neglect, child trauma and death, serial sex offences, child exploitation and technology facilitated crimes against children and continues to achieve outstanding results in this area.
“This year alone 85 children have been rescued from harmful situations. For us, this is an important part of our work, however it doesn’t stop here. Preventing these offences from occurring is our key focus and encouraging the community to work with us on this journey.
“If there is one message I would like anyone to take away from this week, it is to communicate with your children, let them know who they can talk to. If you are not available, then ensure they know they can speak to another trusted person so that these concerns are not left unaddressed. Children are the most vulnerable members of our society and protecting children is everybody’s business,” Detective Inspector Brewer said.
For more information visit the QPS website at www.police.qld.gov.au or www.childprotectionweek.org.au.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.