Children and young people in ACT families affected by domestic violence are to receive much greater support under new arrangements recommended by the Domestic Violence Prevention Council.
The recommendations come out of a meeting last year convened to understand better the key issues for young people caught up in domestic and family violence, including sexual violence.
The meeting identified gaps in the ACT’s response to affected youngsters and proposed that practical measures could be taken to improve existing supports.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette Berry said the Council identified two insights: That children were often ‘invisible’ in the ACT’s domestic and family violence system, and that children who experienced domestic and family violence required specific support.
“The Council’s report recommended action in five priority areas,” Ms Berry said.
“The Government has accepted all of the recommendations and has provided practical steps for how these recommendations can be actioned,” she said.
“The Government’s response has been developed with careful consideration of the strong legal and policy context supporting the rights of children and young people in the ACT.”
She said the response detailed specific initiatives that would be undertaken to deliver on the Council’s recommendations.
“The Family Safety Hub and the Children and Young Peoples Commissioner are working in partnership to deliver a ‘listening and learning’ project that will focus on listening to, and understanding, the diverse experiences and needs of children and young people affected by domestic and family violence,” Ms Berry said.
The Council’s 24-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
