Examination of children affected by family and domestic violence

How children and young people are affected by family and domestic violence was the theme of a Perth Roundtable I attended today, hosted by the Australian Human Rights Commission at the Department of Social Services.

This event, which was co-chaired by National Children’s Commissioner Megan Mitchell and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda, presented a unique opportunity to explore in depth the issues around family and domestic violence and to ensure the experiences and voices of children are an explicit focus in the broader national conversation.

Discussion included the importance of early intervention and support for young children to develop positive self-regulation behaviour, the need for support strategies and education that are community-led, and better support for victims and perpetrators of domestic violence.

Data contained in The State of Western Australia’s Children and Young People – Edition Two shows that children’s exposure to family and domestic violence is a significant and growing problem in Western Australia and predominantly associated with violence against women.

One of the basic premises of our society is that children and young people have the right to be safe and to be protected from abuse and exploitation, and we must be vigilant in tackling this damaging issue.

It was a privilege to be invited by the Human Rights Commission to contribute to this incredibly important discussion.

Jenni Perkins
Acting Commissioner for Children and Young People