STUDENT SUPPORT

Child abuse

Holmesglen is a child safe organisation and is passionate about the safety and wellbeing of all members of the Holmesglen community, especially children and younger people.

We are determined to provide a learning environment that supports the safety and wellbeing of our community.

There are also a set of welfare arrangements that must be put in place for any international student under the age of 18 as specified in standard 5 of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act).

Any report of safety concerns relating to a person under the age of 18 will be taken seriously and reported to the appropriate authorities, in accordance with legislation regarding ‘Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect’

You may wish to refer to Holmesglen Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy (PDF 228kb) for more information as required.

Child abuse definition

Child abuse and neglect, as defined by The World Health Organisation is:

All forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or pote child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.

Examples of child abuse

There are various types of child abuse including:

  • Physical violence – physical harm or injury
  • Sexual abuse – involvement of a child in a sexual activity.
  • Emotional or psychological abuse – repeated rejection, isolation or threats to frighten a child
  • Neglect – failure to provide a child with the basic necessities of life

Reporting child abuse

Any disclosure of safety concerns relating to a person under the age of 18 needs to be taken seriously and reported to the appropriate authorities, as per legislation regarding ‘Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect'.

Tell someone

If you believe that a child or young person is at immediate risk of abuse or danger of sexual abuse, call Police on 000

If you have any concerns regarding your well-being or safety or that of others or if you or another person are experiencing any form of abuse, you must report this to your teacher, course coordinator, head of department, or contact the following persons:

If you have any concerns regarding your well-being or safety or that of others or if you or another person are experiencing any form of abuse, you have many places you can turn to. You could speak to your teacher, course coordinator, head of department, or Student Wellbeing on 9564 1649. You could also go to speak to someone outside of Holmesglen :  

Further resources

Safe Steps

1800 015 188 
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

  • for women and children who are victims of family violence

  • web chat support service Monday to Friday, 9am until midnight

Sexual Assault Crisis Line

1800 806 292 
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

  • for victims of sexual assault

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800 
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

  • a free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25

  • specialist advice to LGBTIQ+ people and their friends and families.