In South Australia the law states that a child is a person under the age of 18 years.

Child abuse can occur through someone doing something hurtful or by someone not doing something to provide for, or to protect the child.

In South Australia there is a law, the Children's Protection Act 1993 to protect children.

The law states that certain people must report their concerns if they have reasonable grounds to suspect a child has been, or is being abused or is neglected. Certain members of the community are bound by law as mandated notifiers, however child protection is a community responsibility and any person can report suspected child abuse.

Reporting suspected child abuse

We all have a role to play in identifying children who may be at risk, and supporting children to be safe.  If you suspect, on reasonable grounds, that a child or young person is being abused or neglected, report it to the:

Child Abuse Report line: 131478

SAPOL has a strategic partnership with the Child Abuse Report Line.

Help for Kids

If someone is hurting you, making you feel bad, not looking after you properly, or making you feel unsafe, it is very important that you tell someone. Often talking with parents, teachers, relatives and friends can help.

Sometimes you might find it easier to talk to someone whose job it is to help children and young people.

There are lots of services for kids listed on the Family & Communities web site or call the:

Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800

The Kids Help Line is a free call (except from mobiles) national service and you don't have to tell people who you are, if you don't want to. 

Police Sexual Crime Investigation Branch

SAPOL has a dedicated Sexual Crime Investigation Branch which targets and investigates persistent, systematic or predatory sexual abuse and exploitation of children, while providing a central and identifiable focal point for local, interstate and international enquiries related to predatory child sexual exploitation. The Branch manages the Australian National Child Offender Register in South Australia. It also investigates suspected online paedophile activities and the production and distribution of child pornography in South Australia.

Matters in the first instance should be directed through your local police station or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Call 000 for emergencies or 131 444 for 'non urgent' police assistance.

Links

Department for Child & Youth Health
This South Australian Government agency site provides extensive information and resources about child abuse.

Department for Families & Communities
This is a South Australian Government agency that has responsibility for the care and protection of children and young people where there are concerns about their safety, welfare and well being.

Child Abuse Report Line 131478
You can get advice about issues of concern as well as reporting abuse (you can remain anonymous if you wish).

Kids Help line 1800 551 1800
Kids Help Line is Australia's only free, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 18.