Child protection and safe people in the community

Most days, your child sees people they don’t know when they are out in the community. 

This includes community settings like: 

  • the park  
  • the supermarket  
  • walking down the street.  

These people are often known as strangers. Most strangers are regular, nice people with their own family, friends and lifestyle. They just aren’t a part of your child’s everyday world. 

Young children often see the world in simple terms, thinking of people as either 'good' or 'bad'. Because strangers are unfamiliar, children are taught to be careful of “stranger danger”. While being cautious about people they don’t know is important, child protection also includes people they know. 

Research shows that 80% of crimes against children are committed by people they know, not a stranger out in the community.  

As a parent, it is good to know strategies to help protect your child in all situations. The reason children and young people may be at risk of significant harm, including:  

  • domestic and family violence  
  • physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse  
  • neglect.  

In NSW, children and young people are protected by law under the Care and Protection Act. If you suspect your child is at risk of significant harm from another child or adult, you should  

  • ask your child about their thoughts, feelings or experiences regarding your concern 
  • report the concerns to the Child Protection Helpline (13 21 11). 

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) will consider the immediate safety of the child and take appropriate action. 

Tips for parents out in the community

  • Stay alert: Your child’s safety is the most important thing.
  • Supervise your child: When out in public always keep your child close. If you need to step away, take your child with you or ask another trusted adult to help.
  • Choose a meeting spot: When arriving at a new location with your child, agree on a place where you and your child can meet if you get lost or separated.
  • Set clear boundaries: Allow your child to understand where they can go in a new area. Remind them they should always be able to see a trusted adult.
  • Go to the bathroom with your child: Wait with your child the whole time.
  • Sit close on public transport: Stay beside or very near your child, especially when they are young.
  • Talk about safe and private touching: Let your child know who is allowed to touch their body and when. Give them the confidence to ask questions and know about consent from an early age. Example scenarios to explain to your child include a doctor during a check up with a parent in the room, or parents helping with bath time.
  • Listen and take concerns seriously: If your child tells you someone made them feel unsafe or uncomfortable, take the discussion seriously, even if you know the person well. Take appropriate steps based on your child’s concern. 

Tips for children out in the community

  • Always check with parents: If someone your child doesn’t know wants to talk to them or go somewhere, teach your child to always check with a parent or trusted adult first.
  • Don’t leave with strangers: Teach your child to never leave the area with a person they don’t know.
  • Speak up when feeling unsafe: If someone they don’t know tries to touch or grab them, tell them it’s okay to shout, “Go away, I do not know you.” 
  • Learn what to do when lost: If they find themselves alone or lost, they should stay in a bright, busy area and ask for help from a police station, a teacher, or parent with a child.
  • Learn phone numbers: Teach your children your address and phone number as soon as they are able to. Test them on it until you are confident that they have both memorised. 

The impact of family or domestic violence

Children need safe, stable and loving homes to grow, develop and thrive. 

As parents or carers, it’s important to understand how much the home environment can affect a child’s life. The impact of violence, abuse or neglect on a child can include: 

  • behavioural changes such as anxiety, anger or being socially withdrawn 
  • learning or development difficulties, including problems in retaining memory, paying attention or learning at school 
  • physical injuries, including bruises, fractures and other injuries from non-accidental actions 
  • mental health conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress or ongoing concern. 

Domestic violence is usually violence between two people who are in an intimate relationship or dating. Family violence is a broader term including violence between family members in the home. This can be violence against children and including sexual and non-sexual violence.  

Children can be exposed to violence through: 

  • their own experience being the target of violent behaviour 
  • seeing violence in the home with someone else they know being the target. 

Did you know?

When reporting on the Personal Safety Survey in 2016, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 9 men stated they had experience physical and/or sexual violence before the age of 15. It is likely these numbers are under reported due to the complexity and sensitivity of the topic. 

Support for family and domestic violence

If you, your child, or someone you know is experiencing any form of family and domestic violence, help is available. 

Contact the following services for 24/7, free and confidential advice: 

  • NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463
  • Child Protection Helpline: 13 21 11

You and your child have the right to be safe in all environments, including the home.