"All I want is a life free from violence"

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child calls for a child rights-based approach to address family and domestic violence so that: vulnerable children are protected; children’s best interests are prioritised;... [ view full abstract ]

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child calls for a child rights-based approach to address family and domestic violence so that: vulnerable children are protected; children’s best interests are prioritised; the views of children are respected; and prevention measures consider impacts on children’s development.

Exposure to family violence is increasingly understood to have harmful impacts on children, both short and long term, and is a key driver of entry into care and protection systems in Australia.

An examination of intentional self-harm and suicide among children conducted in 2014 by Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner, revealed a link between children’s exposure to family conflict and self-harming behaviour. A subsequent investigation was undertaken into the impact of family and domestic violence on children in 2015.

The studies involved voices of children and young people themselves, including information from a national children’s helpline. Coexisting concerns about family relationships were present in 19.2% of calls to the helpline about self-harm and in 17.2% of calls about suicide. Of contacts specifically concerning family violence, 34% were from children 10 to 13 years of age.

Further, it is estimated that 1 in every 12 Australians first experienced physical abuse and 1 in every 28 first experienced sexual abuse as a child before the age of 15, perpetrated by a family member, and that a quarter of children have witnessed violence directed at their mothers.

Combined, these pieces of research highlight the widespread and profound effects of family violence on children – as victims, witnesses and bystanders.

This presentation will outline key findings, policy and research implications, and point to areas of promising practice. A public health approach to family violence that prioritises the unique needs and rights of children is recommended.