Supporting those impacted by child sexual abuse in early education and care

Sexual abuse of children in early childhood education and care settings is a crime that profoundly breaches community trust. These are places where we expect children are safe, nurtured and supported.

Whether your child has been directly harmed or not, it is normal to have strong emotional and physical reactions, including feelings of self-blame, guilt, anger, isolation or anxiety.

Below, you will find information about how to support your child and yourself during this difficult time.

For information about a current ongoing investigation of alleged incidents in Victorian childcare centres, the Victorian government has set up a website with further health information for impacted families and this is accessible at: https://www.vic.gov.au/childcare-centres-investigation#childcare-centres-where-alleged-offender-worked

Victoria Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or via 1800 333 000.

If anyone is unsafe or in immediate danger, please call Triple Zero (000)

Information & support services

The Department of Health and Victoria Police have contacted families whose children attended the childcare centres at the same time that the alleged offender was employed.

If you believe that your child was at one of the listed child care centres at those times, please contact the dedicated advice line on 1800 791 241 (open 7 days a week, 8 – 9pm weekdays and 8am – 5pm weekends).

If you are concerned about your child in any way, or feel that you need support yourself, always seek professional advice. A good place to start is your family GP and your existing networks.

We are here to support you. Please contact us for support:

• The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre on 03 5222 4318 or reception@safvcentre.org.au. We also provide secondary consultation to those needing advice or guidance in relation to supporting someone impacted by sexual violence.
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL) on 1800 806 292 for support with an immediate crisis. SACL is a state-wide (Victoria), after-hours, confidential telephone service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault. SACL operates between 5pm – 9am on weeknights and throughout weekends and public holidays.