Report Child Abuse

Child abuse is a serious social problem. Information frequently requested by students, the general public and professionals is found here. You will find definitions of abuse, causes and effects, legislation, statistics, research and an overview of the child protection community network.

For immediate help

For concerns that are life threatening ring Victoria Police.

For concerns about the immediate safety of a child within their family unit ring After Hours Child Protection Crisis Line.

Information available

"What is Child Abuse?" defines child abuse, indicators of abuse, causes and effects, and some introductory material on this topic.

Child Abuse Reporting Statistics provides tables of statistics of reports to the Victorian Child Protection Service. It includes notifications of the past 10 years, information on flow-through of notifications to investigations, and substantiations and notifications by abuse type.

Other useful documents include "Responding to Child Abuse" and "You and Your Child" for parents whose child has been sexually abused.

How to Make a Report to Child Protection
Professionals involved with vulnerable children, young people and their families, including families with an unborn child, may consider they should report or refer a concern to either Child Protection or the new Child FIRST.
You and Your Child: Guide for Parents (PDF 648.8 KB)
This booklet has been written for non-offending parents of children who has been sexually abused by a parent or other family member, caregiver or someone close to the family, it is hoped that this booklet may be one source of help for both the parents' and child's recovery from sexual abuse.