We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe and that children and young people’s safety is everybody’s responsibility.

Researchers from the ACU Institute of Child Protection Studies have spoken to more than 1500 children and young people about what they need to be safe and feel safe and how adults and organisations can protect them from harm.

On this page you will find three clips. The first one shares the things we heard from Australian children and young people. The second one describes a study with young people in residential care. The final sound clip is a panel of young people who told us the things that they thought were most important about safety.

We will add more clips and fact sheets. We look forward to staying in touch.

Children's Safety Study

A summary of findings from studies conducted by the Institute of Child Protection Studies (ACU) and the Centre for Children and Young People (SCU).

Safety of Young People in Residential Care

A summary of findings from a research study conducted by the Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, which explored the safety of young people in residential care.

How child abuse can be prevented – learning from a panel of young people

Listen to the discussion

Kids’ Report Summary

A short two page summary of the Taking Us Seriously.

Read more

It's never OK for children or young people to be hurt by an adult. If you or someone you know has been hurt make sure you tell an adult you trust. If you would like to talk about it, you can also contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you believe a child or young person is in immediate danger, call Police on 000.

For further information on crisis responses and reporting child abuse and neglect, see: Australian Institue of Family Studies website.