‘We have a part to play’: How children and young people want adults to engage them in the primary prevention of child abuse and maltreatment

Background: Child sexual abuse and maltreatment are preventable issues, but there is limited attention given to empowering children and young people to actively contribute to prevention efforts. Objective: This study, funded by the Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry, aimed to understand children’s experiences of safety in government-funded services. Participants and settings: The study involved 59 participants, including children and young people who spent time in various institutional settings like schools, out-of-home care, youth detention and hospitals. Methods: Through one-on-one interviews and focus groups, the research aimed to capture the perspectives of children and young people regarding safety, how they identify and communicate concerns and what they need from adults. Results: Findings highlighted that children perceive safety differently from adults, emphasising the crucial role of trusted allies who will believe and act upon their concerns. Participants stressed the importance of having appropriate language to express worries and called for adults and organisations to take their concerns seriously. Conclusions: While recognising that children should not bear sole responsibility for preventing child abuse, the study underscores their desire to collaborate with adults in developing child-informed strategies. The paper emphasises the need for adults and organisations to form alliances with children, removing barriers that restrict children from expressing themselves and adults from responding to the worries and concerns of children. Ultimately, this research advocates for a collaborative approach where both children and adults work together to ensure that preventative strategies align with the specific needs of children and young people.