At home shouldn't mean at risk. A Special Bulletin on Child Safety from Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce
As a community member, it is our responsibility to do all that we can to protect any child you know, or suspect may be a victim of any form of abuse or neglect.While many children have been safe from COVID-19 with their families, some have found themselves victims to physical, emotional or sexual abuse, and neglect.
This does not account for the far-reaching implications and hardship suffered by families affected by COVID-19 – who are experiencing an increase in unemployment, alcohol use and mental health issues.
Risks to child safety can include:
- Insufficient supervision of children
- Distress due to the fear of death or illnesses such as COVID19 – with the potential for worsening of a pre-existing mental health condition
- Coerced or forced engagement in exploitative behaviour
- Physical, emotional and sexual abuse
Children are NOT responsible for their own safety:
- Adults bear the responsibility for picking up on signs of abuse.
- Adults bear the responsibility for reporting any disclosures of abuse or suspected abuse.
Child abuse is destructive behaviour that manifests when a person attempts to dominate or control the victim.
Signs of physical abuse can include:- A person - adult or child - hitting, punching, pulling the hair, choking, pinching, pushing, stabbing or restraining the child in any way
- A person using weapons or items to frighten or cause fear; and damage to property or pets; and
- A person preventing the victim from sleeping, eating or neglecting to care for them (such as bathing or changing nappies, if a child is incapable of doing so themselves).
- Harassing or threatening behaviour
- Saying things to frighten or threaten the child
- Calling the child insulting, derogatory and/or denigrating names; and
- Undermining the child in front of their siblings or other relatives.
Signs of sexual abuse can include:
- Forcing, coercing or exposing a child to pornography or other sexually explicit materials
- Forcing or coercing a child to engage in sexual behaviour such as touching of their or another persons breasts or genitals (even through clothes), oral sex and masturbation; and/or
- Forcing or coercing a child to have sexual relations.
- Controlling the child through anger (such as refusing to speak or look at them), withholding affection or other punitive measures; and
- Threatening to harm others and pets.
Signs of social abuse can include:
- Putting the child down in front of others; and
- Isolating the child from their family and friends (including locking a child inside their room).
Signs a child may be being abused can include:
- Displaying distrust towards adults;
- Disclosure of current or historic sexual abuse;
- Inappropriate sexual knowledge or sexualised behaviour for the child’s age;
- Major changes in the child’s behaviour – nightmares, anxiety, regression, clinginess;
- Aggressive behaviour;
- Sleeping difficulties (fatigue, falling asleep often);
- Low self-esteem;
- Difficulty engaging with or relating to adults and peers;
- Unexplained bruising, burns or welts in various stages of healing;
- Exhibiting concentration difficulties;
- Being reluctant to go or be at home; and/or
- Social withdrawal or extreme obedience.
Indicators of child neglect include:
- Malnutrition
- Poor hygiene
- Complaining of unattended medical problems
- Comments about a caregiver’s constant absence from home
- Constant fatigue; and
- Inappropriate clothing (such as dressing for summer in winter).
If you have a concern about a child’s safety
It must be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services or the special unit of the Victorian Police, Sexual Offences and Child Investigation Team (SOCIT).
Sexual offences and child abuse are crimes that require a specialist response from police who understand these complex crimes. Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Teams (SOCITs) are staffed by experienced and qualified detectives who are trained to respond to and investigate sexual offences and child abuse by perpetrators known to the victim.
The SOCIT response prioritises the needs of victims. Any investigation is a victim-led process. They aim to ensure your safety and wellbeing; your ability to regain control of your circumstances; and to provide access to support, information, justice and services appropriate to your need.
Remember, any form of a sexual offence is serious and everyone, including you, is entitled to protection under the law.
There are SOCITs throughout Victoria. Some SOCITs work in Multi-Disciplinary Centres (MDCs) which offer a range of services for victims of sexual offences under the one roof, away from the police station environment.
Read more or contact a SOCIT
Where to find immediate help
Call Triple Zero (000) if a child is in immediate danger OR at any time if you are worried about the safety of a child.MORE:
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV)Address: Beth Weizmann Community Centre, 306 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South, VIC 3162, Australia
Tel: 03 9272 5566
Email: info@jccv.org.au