Child safety
Where to find this service
A message to children and young people
At Western Health, we want every child and young person who comes to our hospitals to:
- feel welcome comfortable
- be cared for with kindness
- have a say in decisions that affect them
- feel safe and be safe.
You have the right to be protected from harm. No one is allowed to hurt your body or your feelings.
It is okay to say NO to an adult if they ask you to do something that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
If you ever feel worried, unsafe or upset, please tell someone you trust – a nurse, doctor, staff member, volunteer, your parents or another adult.
We will listen to you, take you seriously and do what we can to help.
Our commitment to keeping you safe
We take your safety seriously. Across all of our hospitals, services and programs, we work hard to create an environment where all children and young people feel cared for, respected and protected.
We understand that some children and young people may have extra needs or face more challenges – for example, if you are:
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- from a different cultural background
- living with a disability
- LGBTQIA+ or exploring your identity.
We are committed to supporting and respecting you, always.
Protecting you from harm
Western Health is here to protect all children and young people from:
- sexual abuse
- physical abuse
- emotional or psychological abuse
- neglect
- witnessing family violence.
Every person working or volunteering of Western Health has a duty to help keep children safe. If anyone sees or hears something that puts a child at risk, they must report it – to their manager, to Child Protection or to Victoria Police.
This includes concerns about staff, visitors, or anyone outside the hospital – even people in your family or community.
Resources for young adults
We are compliant with the Victorian Child Safe Standards, the Reportable Conduct Scheme and The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005.
Support services
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL) (24 hours): 1800 806 292
- 1800 Respect (24 hours): National telephone line for victims of sexual assault and family violence
- Victims of Crime Helpline (7 days, 8am – 11pm): 1800 819 817
- e-Safety Commissioner
- Child Protection Service DHHS (24 hours): 131 278
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre: 24 hour support for women and children (1800 015 188 or 03 9322 3555)
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800