Aims and Achievements
Aims
To achieve a permanent and effective reduction in the incidence of child abuse and the harm it causes to children and the community.
Child Abuse Research Australia believes that the majority of cases of child abuse, neglect and murder are preventable. We further believe that the rights of the child are as important as the rights of the parent.
Our goal is to provide evidence-based advice to governments and child health and welfare organisations. This will guide the development of policies and practices aimed at dramatically reducing the rate of child abuse, neglect and murder.
Child Abuse Research Australia is a unique collaboration between a world-class university and a national child welfare organisation. Child Abuse Research Australia is a priority research area for the medical faculty at Monash University, and the centre undertakes research that guides the counselling and therapies provided by the Australian Childhood Foundation.
Achievements
Child Abuse Research Australia’s research has made many significant contributions to preventing child abuse and responding to child abuse once it has occurred.
Children’s Voices
Child Abuse Research Australia is a world leader in research that gives children and young people a voice. The Truth is Longer than a Lie is the first book in the world to give children’s views on child abuse and on professional responses to their abuse. The book has received positive reviews around the world. The results of the research have been incorporated into the clinical programs at the Australian Childhood Foundation and teaching at Monash University. This research is continuing and includes children’s experiences of domestic violence and views on physical punishment.
The Links between Child Abuse and Domestic Violence
Research at Child Abuse Research Australia was among the first in the world to establish links between child abuse and domestic violence. These connections are now widely acknowledged and have led to new service responses.
Legislative Change
Research at Child Abuse Research Australia has contributed to major law reform in child sexual abuse, child murder and mandatory reporting.
The Impact of Violence on Professionals Responding to Child Abuse
A study by Child Abuse Research Australia researchers exposed the high degree of violence directed against professionals who respond to child abuse. Published in the UK and USA by Wiley, recommendations from In the Firing Line have been adopted internationally and constitute the first research in the world to provide theoretical explanations for, and practical responses to, the impact of violence on decision-making.
Prevention of Child Abuse
Research at Child Abuse Research Australia contributed to major primary child abuse prevention campaigns by the Australian Childhood Foundation, including the national Every Child is Important, TV, radio and print campaign.
Media Contributions
Child Abuse Research Australia’s research is widely quoted and influential. Professor Chris Goddard has developed a major reputation for contributing to public debate on child abuse, child protection and children’s rights. He has contributed major Opinion pieces to The Australian, The Age, the Sydney Morning Herald, the Herald Sun and the Canberra Times.
Until there is open debate about such a complex problem it cannot be studied and solutions cannot be found. Child Abuse Research Australia is proud of the role it has played in bringing the problem of child abuse to public attention, thus setting the stage for scientific research into the extent of the problem and the utility of therapies.
Reviewing Policy and Practice
Child Abuse Research Australia has an outstanding reputation for systematically reviewing policy and practice. The Child Abuse Research Australia publication Dual Tracks and Double Standards prompted a series of articles in The Age and an ABC TV Four Corners program. Another Child Abuse Research Australia publication, The State of Child Protection, a review of Australian policy and legislation, was reported in all Australia’s major newspapers.
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