Web resource:	http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/acsat/acsat.nsf/vwFiles/80001%20CP%20Rep-all_sml.pdf/$file/80001%20CP%20Rep-all_sml.pdf
Type:	Electronic publication
Title:	Breaking the silence : creating the future : addressing child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities in NSW
Authors:	Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce
Keywords:	Indigenous issues;Child protection
Year:	2006
Publisher:	ecoDesign ecoPrint, Wolli Creek
Notes:	General Overview:The NSW Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce (ACSAT) examined government and non-government responses to the sexual assault of Aboriginal children in NSW and made 119 recommendations about ways to improve the system. It also called for work to begin on developing a new, community-based responses to child sexual assault. Objective: ACSAT’s terms of reference included examining how state government agencies and non-government organisations respond to child sexual abuse, and to make recommendations for addressing the problem. Methods: ACSAT conducted a literature review, examined written submissions and conducted consultations with Aboriginal communities, government agencies and non-government organisations. The Taskforce examined the work of the Department of Community Services, NSW Police, NSW Health, Joint Investigative Response Teams, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, the judiciary, the Attorney-General’s Department, the Department of Corrective Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Housing. Discussion: ACSAT found that child sexual assault was widespread and the impact was devastating for individuals, families and communities. It found that service responses were not being provided in a holistic way and that service providers often do not understand Aboriginal culture and communities. Sometimes the services provided were appropriate and well-received but at other times culturally inappropriate or difficult to access. Community members called for more Aboriginal workers to be employed in all services. Many Aboriginal people reported that they will only use non-government organisations as they provide a more flexible and responsive service. However, many of these organisations do not have sufficient funding to meet communities’ needs and some do not comply with their obligation to report child sexual assault. Conclusion: ACSAT recommended further research into the relationship between child sexual assault and family violence. It recommended a more holistic response to providing services to ensure coordinated service responses: a review of interagency guidelines, common definitions of child sexual assault across agencies and addressing child sexual assault at the same time as addressing social and economic disadvantage. It recommended that services be appropriately physically located. It recommended data collection be improved and funding be provided for local Aboriginal initiatives. The report examined alternatives to the adversarial system: inquisitorial approaches and community based restorative approaches. The Taskforce called for work to begin on developing a new, community based response to child sexual assault.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/21317
ISBN:	9780734728746
Physical description:	viii, 335 p. : ill. ; 25 cm.
Appears in Collections:	Online resource

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