protective behaviours and BODY SAFETY
eSafeKids strives to reduce and prevent harm through proactive prevention education, supporting and inspiring parents, carers, educators and other professionals to talk with children, young people and vulnerable adults about protective behaviours and body safety.
eSafeKids provides workshops and webinars throughout metropolitan and regional Australia and internationally. All workshops are delivered by Kayelene Kerr.
Teaching children Protective Behaviours and Body Safety in age and developmentally appropriate ways doesn't take away a child's innocence, it helps to protect it.
To prevent abuse, reduce violence and promote safety and wellbeing, protective behaviours education focuses on developing life skills of empowerment, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, problem solving, help seeking, persistence and assertiveness.
Learn more about Protective Behaviours.
Prevalence of Child Abuse in Australia
Findings from the 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study indicate 62.2% of the Australian population has experienced at least one type of child maltreatment. Exposure to domestic violence was the most common form of maltreatment, followed by physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.
Australian children experienced child sexual abuse
Almost 1 in 5 boys experience child sexual abuse
WORKSHOP CONTENT
Overview of Child Abuse in Australia
Child Abuse Facts, Myths & Misconceptions
Grooming Behaviours
Harmful Sexual Behaviours
Responding to a report of child abuse
Protective Interruption
Being Safe & Feeling Safe
Social Norms & Gender Stereotypes
Pornography
Assertiveness
Permission to say no
Persistence
Networks & Safety Teams
Help Seeking & Trusted Adults
Conversation starters
Resources to support in home education and curriculum delivery
Parent / Carer
Protective Behaviours & Body Safety
Teaching children water safety, road safety and sun safety tends to come more naturally to many parents, carers and grandparents. However, personal safety and body safety can be more challenging.
Talking about child abuse is a sensitive topic and sometimes parents/carers don’t know where to start. Thankfully there is a way to provide children with these necessary life skills and strategies that is non-confronting and child friendly.
This comprehensive parent/carer workshop is filled with real world examples to educate, equip, empower, support and inspire you. You will leave this workshop with up-to-date information, conversation starters, practical strategies and resource recommendations.
In Western Australia all students receive protective behaviours prevention education. This workshop compliments the Protective Behaviours education your child should be getting taught at school.
WA Government Schools Department of Education
Under the Department of Education’s Child Protection policy, principals are required to implement protective behaviours education that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum across all phases of schooling.
WA Non-Government Schools Registration Standard 10
Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse
eSafeKids provides books and resources to support in-home education and conversation.
eSafeKids does not generally deliver in home education sessions. If this is a service you require please submit the contact form below and we can refer you to a service provider.
Professional
Protective Behaviours & Body Safety
Our comprehensive professional development workshop is filled with real world examples to educate, equip, empower, support and inspire you. You will leave this workshop with up-to-date information, conversation starters, practical strategies and resource recommendations.
eSafeKids provides workshops and training specifically for early childhood services.
Our training meets requirements for Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority National Quality Standard 2.2.3.
eSafeKids provides books and resources to support curriculum delivery.
In 2011 The Hon Peter Blaxell commenced a Special Inquiry ‘St Andrew’s Hostel Katanning: How the system and society failed our children’. The Blaxell Inquiry highlighted that historically, the teaching has been poor in the area of sex education and protective behaviours, specifically stating it has been; “... of a very low quality and usually limited to the occasional warnings of the “stranger danger” variety. The standard stereotype of child molesters being old men in raincoats sidling up to the school yard was very misleading for children.”
STUDENT WORKSHOPS
There remains a critical need for sexual abuse prevention education to be delivered to secondary school age students. eSafeKids Talking About Sexual Abuse workshop is designed to assist young people: identify unsafe situations; respond in unsafe situations; report unsafe situations.
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Child Sexual Abuse & Sexual AssaultWA Police - Sex Crime Division The WA Police Sex Crime Division works closely with police in regional Western Australia and investigates crimes throughout the state. The division operates as part of the Specialist Crime Portfolio and consists of the following six areas: Child Abuse Squad Child Assessment and Interview Team Family Violence State Coordination Unit Online Child Exploitation Squad Sex Assault Squad Sex Offender Management Team Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) - Western Australia SARC provides a 24 hour emergency service in the Perth metropolitan area. It includes medical care, forensic investigation and counselling support to people who have been sexually assaulted within the previous 14 days. Child Protection Unit – Perth Children’s Hospital - Western Australia The Child Protection Unit at the Perth Children’s Hospital provides specialised support for children and young people up to the age of 16 years who have experienced sexual abuse, and for children displaying harmful sexual behaviours. It is a hospital-based service providing medical, forensic, social work and therapeutic services for children and their families. Phoenix Support & Advocacy Service Inc - Western Australia Phoenix provides assistance in dealing with both current and historical sexual abuse in childhood. Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) - Western Australia There are five regional Sexual Assault Support Services that offer a range of different services and support for people aged 13 years old and over that have experienced sexual assault. Peel region: Allambee Counselling Centre Phone (08) 9535 8263 South West region: Waratah Support Centre Phone (08) 9791 2884 Goldfields-Esperance region: Goldfields Sexual Assault Service Phone (08) 9021 4732 Mid West region: Desert Blue Connect Phone 1800 016 789 Pilbara region: Acacia Support Service Lotteries House Phone (08) 9160 2900 Parkerville Children and Youth Care Child Advocacy Centres - Western Australia Parkerville is a community based, collaborative working model to support children, young people and their families who have experienced child sexual abuse. The team comprises an investigation team, child protection workers, specialist child interviewers, medical services, psychological therapeutic services and two Child and Family Advocate Centres. Phone Armadale: (08) 9391 1900 Phone Midland: (08) 9235 7000 Kimberley Sexual Abuse Prevention and Support Service - Western Australia The Kimberley Sexual Abuse Prevention and Support Service provides counselling to child and adult victims of sexual abuse and assault, group work programs and community education initiatives to help recognise the symptoms and impacts of child sexual abuse. Phone Broome: (08) 9194 2400 Phone Kununurra: (08) 9166 5000 People 1st Programme - Western Australia People 1st Programme specialises in working with individuals with disability requiring education and counselling in respectful relationships, protective education and sexuality. Phone: (08) 9227 6414 SECCA - Western Australia SECCA supports people with disabilities to learn about human relationships, sexuality and sexual health across the lifespan. SECCA provides specialist counselling and education in the area of human relationships and sexuality to people who have a disability, their family and significant carers. Phone: (08) 9420 7226 Sexual Assault Counselling Australia (SACA) At Sexual Assault Counselling Australia (SACA), trauma specialist counsellors provide telephone counselling for people affected by the Royal Commission. A free telephone interpreting service is provided. Phone: 1800 211 028 1800RESPECT 1800RESPECT provides telephone and online crisis support, information and immediate referral to specialist counselling for anyone in Australia who has experienced or been impacted by sexual assault, or domestic or family violence. The service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Phone: 1800 737 732 National Counselling and Referral Service (Disability) The National Counselling and Referral Service (Disability) supports people with disability who have current or past experiences of abuse, neglect, violence and exploitation. There are also support services and information available for family members, carers, support workers, advocates or persons providing legal or financial services. Phone: 1800 421 468 Bravehearts The Bravehearts National Information and Support Line can be accessed by anyone wanting information or support relating to child sexual assault and exploitation. The service is available from 8.30am to 4.30pm (AEST), Monday to Friday. Phone: 1800 272 831 The Daniel Morcombe Foundation The Daniel Morcombe Foundation provides personal child safety education to children and young people to prevent abuse and promote lifelong health and wellbeing. We support educators, parents and carers through the provision of resources and education and also directly support young victims of crime. Partner Speak PartnerSPEAK provides advocacy and support for non-offending partners, family members, friends, or anyone else who is affected by a person's involvement in child sexual abuse and child exploitation material. Blue Knot Foundation Blue Knot provides information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma. Complex trauma is repeated, ongoing, and often extreme interpersonal trauma (between people) – violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation experienced as a child, young person and adult. Act for Kids Act for Kids is a for-purpose organisation that delivers evidence-led professional therapy and support services to children and families who have experienced or are at risk of harm. Phone: 1300 657 380 Victim Support Service and Child Witness Service - Western Australia The Victim Support Service and Child Witness Service provides free, confidential counselling and support services for all victims of crime. These services are provided by professional counsellors and trained volunteers. Contact details for all victim support services including regional locations is available online. Phone: 1800 818 988 Cottesloe Counselling Centre Phone: (08) 9278 6578
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Family & Domestic ViolenceWA Police - Western Australia Police Operations 131 444 In an emergency dial 000 1800RESPECT 1800RESPECT provides telephone and online crisis support, information and immediate referral to specialist counselling for anyone in Australia who has experienced or been impacted by sexual assault, or domestic or family violence. The service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Phone: 1800 737 732 White Ribbon White Ribbon Australia is part of a global social movement working to eliminate gendered violence. MensLine Australia MensLine Australia provides telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. MensLine specialises in family and relationship issues, including relationship breakdown, separation and divorce, parenting, family violence, suicide prevention and emotional wellbeing. Online chat and video counselling is available. Phone: 1300 789 978 Stopping Family Violence Stopping Family Violence (SFV) is the peak body, non-for profit organisation in Western Australia developed in order to support all the sectors and services involved in responding to perpetrators of Family and Domestic Violence (FDV). SFV differ from traditional peak bodies in the sense that they do not represent a specific sector, and instead focus on an area of practice. This enables SFV to maintain an independent and unbiased position in the work of perpetrator response. Phone: (08) 9430 8065 Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence - Western Australia The Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence provides individual counselling, group programs, camps and family day outings for clients, mostly children aged 4 to 18, who have witnessed and/or experienced violence in the family. Phone: (08) 9300 0340 Zonta House - Western Australia Zonta House Refuge Association is a specialist service that provides safety, essential relief and support to women who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing family and domestic violence Phone: 1800 870 149 Starick - Western Australia Starick is a Family and Domestic Violence support services for women and children. Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Centre Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services provides a range of holistic services to women from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. Ishar is a LGBTQI friendly service and welcomes women of any sexual orientation, anyone who identifies as a woman and anyone who was assigned female identity at birth.
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Children & YouthKids Helpline Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Kids Helpline helps kids and young people feel better, live happier and overcome challenges. The service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Phone: 1800 55 1800 Youth Beyond Blue Youth Beyond Blue provides general mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25 years old. The service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. The online chat is available from 3pm to 12am (AEST), 7 days a week. Phone: 1300 22 4636 Headspace Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation provides early intervention mental health services to 12 to 25 year olds. Services include: * Headspace centres (located in metropolitan and regional areas across Australia) * eheadspace (online and phone counselling service) * Headspace School Support (a suicide post-vention program for schools) * Digital Work and Study Service * The National Telehealth Service Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ) - Perth, Western Australia Educating, informing and empowering people to enjoy sexual health and wellbeing. Counselling 9228 3693 Clinic (bulk billing available) 9227 6177 Confidential Helplin 9227 6178 - Metro 1800 198 205 - country The Freedom Centre - Perth, Western Australia A safe place for young gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning people to hang out and access information. Youth Educating Peers (YEP) YEP aims to educate, empower and positively evolve young people's perceptions, attitudes and behaviours around sexual health and blood borne viruses. Get The Facts - Perth, Western Australia Information for young people about sexual health and relationships, including puberty, body image, sex, sexuality, consent, pornography, sexually transmitted infections and more. Youth Law Australia Providing free, confidential legal information and help for young people under 25 years of age. Youth Legal Service Promoting access to justice for children and young people through representation, education and advoacy. Phone (08) 9202 1688 Cottesloe Counselling Centre Phone: (08) 9278 6578
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Youth-Friendly Sexual Health Services in the Perth metro area.Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ) - Perth, Western Australia Educating, informing and empowering people to enjoy sexual health and wellbeing. Counselling 9228 3693 Clinic (bulk billing available) 9227 6177 Confidential Helpline 9227 6178 - Metro 1800 198 205 - country Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service provides culturally secure primary health, mental health and dental services for Aboriginal families living right across the Perth metropolitan area. HepatitisWA HepatitisWA provides support, advice, and advocacy for people affected by viral hepatitis. Royal Perth Hospital Sexual Health Clinic Royal Perth Hospital offers a multidisciplinary sexual health service to treat patients with sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STDs/STIs) . M Clinic M Clinic is Perth’s only sexual health clinic specifically for gay, bi, trans, gender diverse and non-binary people, and for anyone who identifies as a man who has sex with other men. M Clinic is a nurse-based health practice that provides discreet and confidential services including routine STI and BBV testing, vaccinations, PrEP prescriptions, outreach testing and health support for trans and gender-diverse people.
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Culturally and linguistically diverse serviceMulticultural Women’s Advocacy and Support The Multicultural Women’s Advocacy and Support promotes the safety of women from migrant, refugee, or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Outreach services are in Rockingham/Fremantle, Gosnells, Mirrabooka and Northbridge. Phone: (08) 9328 1200 Multicultural Services Centre of WA The Multicultural Services Centre of WA provides a range of programs and services to migrants and refugees. Phone: (08) 9328 2699 Kin Kin helps people from diverse backgrounds living with disability, their families and carers. Phone: (08) 9388 7455 Free call 1800 659 921 Family Safety Pack This resource has been developed by the Australian Government Department of Social Services with information on Australia’s laws regarding domestic and family violence, sexual assault and forced marriage. It aims to reduce violence against women from CALD backgrounds, by ensuring they understand their rights and where to get support if needed. The pack includes factsheets on a range of topics, translated into over 40 languages. Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Centre Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services provides a range of holistic services to women from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. Ishar is a LGBTQI friendly service and welcomes women of any sexual orientation, anyone who identifies as a woman and anyone who was assigned female identity at birth.
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Services inclusive of trans, gender diverse and non-binary peopleBlack Rainbow Is a grassroots approaches to alleviate the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBQTI+SB people. EmbraceU An inclusive space providing sexual health and blood-borne virus information for the trans, gender diverse & non-binary community. Gender Diversity Service at Perth Children's Hospital For trans and gender diverse people under the age of 18 years. Freedom Centre Supports young people, families, and whole communities to be healthy, happy, and informed about diverse sexuality, gender and sex. Gender Pathways Service (GPS) Counselling for trans and gender diverse people 17-24 years old. Living Proud LGBTI community services WA including peer-support, information, resources, professional and workplace training and consultancy. Out In Perth A news website focusing on diversity in sexuality and gender. PFLAG Peer support for families and friends of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI). People 1st Programme Counselling & educating people with disability in sexuality, relationships & protective education. Qlife LGBTI+ Peer-counselling & information telephone line and online chat. SECCA SECCA supports people with disability to learn about relationships, sexuality and sexual health. SHQ SHQ offers a range of clinical and counselling services to educate, inform and empower people to enjoy sexual health and relationship wellbeing. TransFolk of WA Provides peer-support & information for trans men, trans women and non-binary folks. Transhub A digital information and resource platform for trans and gender diverse people, and health professionals. Youth Pride Network A group of young LGBTIQA+ people who are working to improve the lives of all young LGBTIQA+ people through systematic advocacy. Minus18 Minus 18 is an Australian charity improving the lives of LGBTIQA+ youth. Cottesloe Counselling Centre Phone: (08) 9278 6578
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Legal ServicesYouth Law Australia Providing free, confidential legal information and help for young people under 25 years of age. Legal Aid Western Australia Legal Aid WA provides information and advice regarding civil, criminal and family law. Legal Aid WA can provide assistance with negotiation, writing letters, drafting documents and preparing for court appearances. Legal advice can be delivered face to face, over the phone or by video conference to people in remote areas. Lawyer representation can be provided for people with low incomes and few assets. Phone: 1300 650 579 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm) Community Legal Centres Association of Western Australia Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are not for profit, non-government organisations that provide legal and welfare services to people in need. The services provided by CLCs may include legal information, advice and representation to individuals and groups; community education and law reform programs. Most services are free or very low cost. A full list of centres operating in WA can be found on their website. Phone: (08) 9221 9322 Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia The Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia provides legal representation and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Western Australia including advocacy. In addition to the Perth office, there are 17 regional offices operating throughout WA. Phone: (08) 9265 6666; after hours: (08) 9265 6644 Knowmore Knowmore offer free legal advice and support to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and can assist individuals consider their options regarding compensation, redress and other legal matters related to abuse. Phone: 1800 605 762 Women’s Legal Service WA A community legal centre that provides legal services to women across WA. Phone: (08) 9272 8800 Free call: 1800 625 122 Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre Provides legal and advocacy services to people (mostly those living in the northern suburbs of Perth). Phone: (08) 9440 1663 (Mirrabooka) (08) 9301 4413 (Joondalup) Fremantle Community Legal Centre Legal and non-legal support services and referrals for those on low incomes in Fremantle and surrounding area. A Family Violence lawyer is available for victims of family violence in the Fremantle area. Phone: (08) 9432 9790 Gosnells Community Legal Centre Legal services for those on low income (mostly those living in Gosnells and surrounding area). Phone: (08) 9398 1455 SCALES Community Legal Centre Provides free legal advice, information and representation to low income people living in the Kwinana and Rockingham areas. Phone (08) 9550 0400 Youth Legal Service Promoting access to justice for children and young people through representation, education and advoacy. Phone (08) 9202 1688
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The National Redress SchemeThe National Redress Scheme The National Redress Scheme was created in response to the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Read the eSafeKids National Redress Scheme blog.
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The Western Australian Reportable Conduct SchemeThe Western Australian Reportable Conduct Scheme The Scheme implements key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The Royal Commission highlighted the numerous times and ways in which children reported abuse and were not believed, or no action was taken. The Scheme compels heads of organisations that exercise care, supervision or authority over children to notify allegations of, or convictions for, child abuse by their employees to the Ombudsman and then investigate these allegations. The Ombudsman will monitor, oversee and review these investigations.
Educate, equip and empower children with knowledge through stories!
Reading with children provides an opportunity to teach vital life skills in a child friendly, fun, age and stage appropriate way. Reading books that are meaningful can have a lasting impact. Selecting books with teachable moments and content can assist you to discuss a wide range of topics, particularly those that are sometimes tricky and sensitive.
eSafeKids acknowledges the lifelong trauma of abuse experienced by
victims, survivors and their families. Society failed to protect, believe and respond justly to children, young people and adult victim survivors.