What are the signs of harm and what you should do

Recognising the signs of harm

Workers are uniquely positioned in the Department to identify and respond to potential harm and may observe something during the course of their work that raises concerns about the safety of a child or young person.

A single event, a series of events over time, or an accumulation of behaviours and circumstances may indicate harm to a child or young person. Children and young people may not always be able to verbally disclose when harm has occurred.

A practice guideline on recognising the signs of harm is available.

If someone discloses harm to you

Disclosure is rarely a one-off event and is a process.

It is important to understand how difficult it can be for a child or young person to disclose harm. Perpetrators are often expert manipulators and proficient at ensuring the child or young person remains silent

Creating environments in which children, young people and adult victim or survivors feel safe to disclose will empower them to speak up

A practice guideline on disclosures of harm to children and young people is available.

Support is available

There are organisations that can offer you support

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• beyondblue 1300 224 636
• 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
• MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
• Relationships Australia Tasmania 1300 364 277
• Sexual Assault Support Service Inc. 1800 697 877

Child safety and conduct related matters are concerning and can affect everyone differently and you may want to talk to someone. Department of Health staff can get support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). You can contact EAP providers 24 hours a day, seven days a week to access free confidential counselling at:

• Catholic Care 1800 674 434
• Converge International 1300 687 327
• Newport and Wildman 1800 650 204
• Positive Solutions 1800 064 039