Child abuse is a serious problem. Too many children are physically, sexually, and emotionally abused. Other forms of abuse include neglect and exploitation. When this happens, it is up to adults to speak up and report it. In Victoria, reports must be made to the Child Protection Intake Service, which is part of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Reports cannot be made via the Department’s website or email. Almost all reports are made to Child Protection by phone. To report concerns about the immediate safety of a child outside of normal business hours, you should contact the Child Protection After-Hours Child Protection Emergency Service on 13 12 78. Child abuse or neglect Child abuse can refer to a one-off incident or it can be a number of separate incidents that happen over time. Child abuse is defined as any act by a person that endangers a child or young person’s physical or emotional health or development. In Victoria, under the Children Youth and Families Act 2005,...
