National information and referral service for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse

The Albanese Government has announced that the Australian Childhood Foundation will deliver a new national information and referral service to assist victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

This is a major achievement under the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030 and an important part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to protect Australia’s children and provide support for victims and survivors.

The service, which has been developed in response to Recommendation 9.5 of the Royal Commission
into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, will provide free assistance to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, practitioners and the general public to navigate the service system and access help and information.

The service will be accessible via a website, helpline and specialist service navigators, and is expected to launch by the end of this year.

The contract is being awarded following comprehensive consultations on the design of the service and a two-stage competitive procurement process.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“Every victim and survivor of child sexual abuse deserves to be heard, believed, and supported.

“We know the impacts of child sexual abuse can be complex and long-lasting, and navigating the system can be overwhelming. This service will help people find the right pathways to support.

“This service has been shaped by the voices of victims and survivors who came forward through the Royal Commission and subsequent consultations, and I thank them for their courage and contribution.

“I acknowledge the frontline services and practitioners who continue to support victims and survivors every day, often in challenging circumstances.

“This is an important step forward under the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse to better support victims and survivors and help ensure Australia’s children are safe from harm.”

Visit the Get Support page on the Child Safety website for existing information about support services.

Resources for media reporting on child sexual abuse

With the University of Canberra News and Media Research Centre, the National Office for Child Safety has developed resources to support the media to report on child sexual abuse. These resources, along with information about support services, can be included in media reporting. They are available at Reporting on Child Sexual Abuse on the ChildSafety website.