The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) has launched the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030.
In a statement, PM&C said the National Strategy was developed in partnership with State and Territory Governments, and in consultation with a range of non-Government stakeholders, including victims and survivors.
“The objective of the 10-year, whole-of-nation framework is to enhance Australia’s response to child sexual abuse and address key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse,” it said.
“While the Royal Commission focused on institutions, the National Strategy targets child sexual abuse in all settings, including in the family and online.”
The Department said the first phase of the National Strategy would be driven by two, four-year action plans — the first delivered by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments, and the second primarily to be delivered by Commonwealth Agencies.
In a further statement, the National Office for Child Safety said it would be overseeing the implementation of the National Strategy.
“The National Strategy is the first of its kind in Australia, and provides a nationally coordinated, strategic framework for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse,” it said.
“It seeks to reduce the risk, extent and impact of child sexual abuse and related harm in Australia.”
The statement stressed the National Strategy was for everyone — “children and young people; victims and survivors of child sexual abuse of all ages; families, kin and carers; communities; organisations and Governments”.
The Office said the National Strategy focused on five themes: Awareness raising, education and building child-safe cultures; supporting and empowering victims and survivors; enhancing national approaches to children with harmful sexual behaviour; offender prevention and intervention; and improving the evidence base.
The 75-page National Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
