‘Action not just words’: ANROWS and young victim-survivors call for policy overhaul for children’s safety from domestic, family and sexual violence
MEDIA RELEASE | Wednesday 20 November 2024
On World Children’s Day, ANROWS has launched a landmark publication, In their own right: Actions to improve children and young people’s safety from domestic, family and sexual violence. The guide consolidates insights from over 20 research reports and 130 policy recommendations, providing a clear roadmap for policymakers, practice leaders, and advocates to deliver targeted support and protection for children and young people as victims and survivors in their own right.
ANROWS CEO Tessa Boyd-Caine stressed the urgent need to recognise and centre children and young people’s unique experiences of violence.
“Too often, children and young people’s experiences of violence are invisible in policy and practice. This guide reminds us that they are not just ‘witnesses’ but victims and survivors in their own right. Their voices, strengths, and needs must shape the systems designed to protect them. Ending violence requires us all to commit to policies that are informed by the lived realities of children and young people experiencing violence in their homes.”
The guide highlights the profound impacts of violence on children and young people. Extending far beyond the immediate harm, these impacts can include long-term effects on relationships, education, health, and wellbeing. It calls for culturally safe solutions led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, trauma-informed care tailored to diverse needs, and a prevention-first approach to enhancing safety for children and young people’s futures.
Young victim-survivor advocates Harrison James, Evie Clayton, and Conor Pall echoed the call for meaningful reform.
Harrison James said, “Living with violence as a child affects every part of your life—your education, your friendships, and your ability to trust. Policymakers need to stop overlooking us and start listening to us.”
Evie Clayton added, “The systems meant to protect us often don’t understand what we need. This guide is a step towards real change and to take action from the publication we have to acknowledge the abuse and harm that had to occur to formulate it. This guide is more than just words, it’s generations of victims telling you how to do better.”
“This report highlights the unique risk factors children and young people experience, especially those navigating family violence alone. It’s a call for decision-makers to work with us, ensuring our voices drive the changes needed to address our unique response, healing and recovery needs,” said Conor Pall.
ANROWS calls on policymakers, service providers, and communities to use this guide as a blueprint for change. By embedding these research-informed actions into real-world solutions, we can create a society where every child and young person is safe and supported.
For more information or to access the guide, visit: https://www.anrows.org.au/publication/children-young-peoples-safety/
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Elliott Holohan
ANROWS Media & Strategic Communications Specialist
M: 0411 507 542| E: [email protected]
About ANROWS
Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety Limited (ANROWS) is a not-for-profit independent national research organisation.
ANROWS is an initiative of Australia’s National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022. ANROWS was established by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments of Australia to produce, disseminate and assist in applying evidence for policy and practice addressing violence against women and their children. ANROWS is the only such research organisation in Australia.