Child abuse

Are you confused about what is discipline and what is child abuse? Are you ever worried about hurting your child? Do you suspect that someone else may be doing harm to children? These are concerns that are felt by most parents at some time. Sadly, children have been abused and mistreated throughout history and child abuse unfortunately still exists. As we understand more about human development we have learnt that what happens in our childhood has an enormous impact on our adult lives.

In recent years the media has given us stories of cases of child abuse. As a society we are now talking more freely about child abuse, child neglect and physical and sexual abuse which were not really recognised or discussed in previous times. Babies, children and young people in today’s society are people who have the right to be protected by caring adults. 
Find out more >

See also Parenting Tipsheets Discipline (0–12),  Discipline – Teens

More than arguments (domestic violence)

Most people argue with other members of their family from time to time. Parents may argue about money, the children and household jobs; children fight about any number of things. 

Sometimes arguments in families get out of hand and people get hurt. When this happens between adults, this affects everyone, especially the children. Domestic violence happens in all sorts of families and plays a major part in the breakdown of families. Most people don’t want to think that what happens in their family is ‘domestic violence’. It is hard to talk about, and people may ignore or even deny it is happening. Many people find that talking about it, even to their closest friends, is something they cannot do, or feel they shouldn’t do. Unfortunately, domestic violence hardly ever goes away by itself. It usually gets worse over time unless real changes in attitude and behaviour are made.
Find out more >

Paedophiles

Parents are alarmed when they hear the word ‘pedophile’ (or paedophile) and read and learn about people who sexually abuse children. Adults who behave in a sexual way to children not only break the law but cause major distress to their victims that can effect them for the rest of their lives.  

In Australia we are now more openly talking about paedophiles and the sexual abuse of children and how it causes great suffering to children. It is important to remember that children are more likely to be abused by someone they know and trust than by a stranger, but many people still find this hard to believe. 
Find out more >

See also Parenting Tipsheet Child abuse