Stop child abuse before it starts

Child Abuse Prevention Service (CAPS) has launched a national campaign this week, encouraging all Australian families to help stop child abuse before it starts.
The prevention campaign, which highlights that the effects of child abuse can be carried around for a lifetime, will be showcased in a new television commercial developed and directed by award-winning creative director Erin Johnson, and calls on families to take preventative action to keep children safe.
“When it comes to child abuse, there is no question – prevention is better than the cure,” CAPS chair Renee Carter said.
“Aside from the tragic and immediate impact of any form of abuse on a child, the lasting effects can include alcohol abuse or mental illness in adult life, and even suicide.”
The impacts of child abuse also extend to whole families and communities, as relationships break down and society manages the myriad of social issues such as drug use and domestic violence that can evolve out of the trauma of experiencing childhood abuse.
In the Southern Downs region and South West Queensland alone, the number of child protection intakes to the Queensland Department of Communities in the three years to June 2010 was 45,381, with more than 24,500 children subject to a child protection report.
“These statistics remind us that there isn’t a single community out there that can escape the impact of child abuse,” CAPS manager Karen Craigie said.
Whilst there is no easy solution to child abuse, effective prevention and early intervention can make a real difference.
As a part of its national campaign, CAPS has released a digital ‘Prevention Pack’ to support families in developing vital protective factors and understanding how they can keep children safe.
The free pack, which includes a range of resources for parents, carers and children, can be downloaded directly from www.childabuseprevention.com.au
Founded in 1973, CAPS aims to alleviate child abuse in all its forms through family support and community education.
CAPS runs a free, national telephone support line (1800 688 009), support groups, parent education, a family support program, community development and outreach initiatives.