Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Child abuse is defined as any act a person that puts a child or young person’s physical or emotional health or development in danger. This includes neglect.
  • Abuse or neglect may negatively impact a child’s emotional, psychological and physical development as a result of the trauma they experience.
  • A referral to Child FIRST or The Orange Door may be the best way of connecting vulnerable children, young people and their families to the services they need to protect and promote their healthy development.
  • The Child Protection system is responsible for investigating alleged child abuse and neglect where a parent is unable or unwilling to act protectively and determining the most appropriate care or support for the child.
  • If you are aware that a child has been sexually abused, you are legally required to speak up and report it.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 15-12-2022