The NSW Government is reminding parents and carers about their role in protecting children as we commence the 30th annual Child Protection Week.
Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said the government is committed to providing police with the resources they need to investigate any allegation of child abuse.
“It is our duty to protect the innocent and condemn the guilty and there is no greater priority than keeping our children safe,” Mr Elliott said.
“Last year, this Government announced that all Police Area Commands and Districts across the state would receive an additional officer dedicated to monitoring offenders on the Child Protection register.”
The NSW Police Force has also implemented changes to the Child Protection Register including increasing staff, additional supervisors and introducing standardised offender management across the state.
Last week, officers from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU), made three separate arrests over alleged online grooming offences detected across Sydney and the state’s north.
Mr Elliott says it is a timely reminder to the community that everyone has a role to play in keeping our children safe.
“Police will always be committed to protecting kids from harm, but do not underestimate the impact you can have as a parent or carer by educating your children on how to stay safe,” Mr Elliott said.
Since January this year, the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad has arrested more than 560 people and laid more than 2800 charges, following investigations into child sexual assaults, serious physical abuse, extreme cases of neglect and online grooming.
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Chris Goddard, said that in more than 90 per cent of the cases investigated, children have been abused by someone known to them.
“Recently we have seen a number of people arrested that hold positions of trust in the community, so it is worthwhile taking the time to make sure your children understand that help is always available if they ever need it,” Det A/Supt Goddard said.
For more information about National Child Protection Week, visit: https://www.napcan.org.au/national-child-protection-week/