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A State Government hotline set up to receive reports of child abuse received an average of more than sixty notifications a day for the first three months this year.
Startling information received by Opposition MP Vickie Chapman from a question to Families Minister Jennifer Rankine shows between January and March this year the Families SA Child Abuse Report Line received:
- A total of 5,589 notifications of suspected child abuse, of which;
- 263 were Tier One notifications (must be dealt with immediately by Families SA)
- 3,289 were Tier Two notifications
- 1,067 were Tier Three notifications
The number of notifications indicates there will be an overall increase in child abuse notifications compared to last year.
Ms Chapman said although the high numbers were cause for concern it was even more alarming that the figure may not be anywhere near the total number of child abuse notifications.
“This data only covers reports made to the Hotline, it doesn’t cover reports made by teachers, health professionals, or social workers, who are required by law to report situations where abuse may be occurring.”
Ms Chapman said the Government needed to provide a guarantee that the hotline was being staffed appropriately and that all notifications were being followed through.
“We’re seeing an increase in suspected child abuse at a time when Treasurer Foley is looking to savage departmental budgets.
“An assurance must be given that no service involved with receiving reports, investigating reports or implementing recommendations will be cut.”
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