Best practice for parent-focused child sexual abuse prevention education in early childhood
Voices for Action is a new campaign by the National Centre to hear directly from victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
The campaign – launched on the 7th anniversary of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse – provides a secure online portal for victims and survivors to share their views.
We're asking:
What action is needed? What would help make things safer and more supportive for children and young people, victims and survivors and communities?
How to take part
Complete a short submission form. The submission form asks two questions about the changes you want to see.
You can also make a submission in any medium that works for you, including:
Written piece:
Story, poem, letter, or any other original writing
Artwork:
Drawing, painting, or digital art
Photograph:
Original photos only
Audio recording:
Spoken word, music, or soundscapes
Video recording:
Short films, interviews, performances, or visual storytelling
Ready to submit?
If you have any questions regarding this project please reach out to:
voicesforaction@nationalcentre.org.au
How submissions will be used:
The National Centre will review all submissions to identify key issues and themes to better understand what changes victims and survivors believe are needed. Your voice will help inform future policy and advocacy, systems reform and sector capability building.
With your informed consent, your submission may be published on our website, in reports, or in other advocacy resources. We may also publish additional resources or communications based on submissions received. Only information you consent to being shared will be published.
Future engagement opportunities:
In 2026, the National Centre will undertake a series of victim and survivor engagement activities. If you choose, your submission can also connect you with these opportunities.
FAQs
Check out our responses to frequently asked questions below.
What is Voices for Action?
The National Centre is marking the 7th anniversary of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse by launching Voices for Action.
Voices for Action is a digital engagement campaign for people with lived experience. It provides a secure online portal for victims and survivors to share their views with the National Centre on change and action they want to see.
Through Voices for Action, the National Centre wants to hear directly from victims and survivors about what matters most to them.
Why is the National Centre seeking insights from victims and survivors?
We want to hear from victims and survivors about what is working, what is missing and what needs to change to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.
The lived and living expertise of victims and survivors is crucial for shaping future policy, guiding advocacy efforts and strengthening sector capability.
How can people participate?
The National Centre has created a secure submission form available on our website.
To make a submission, you can answer two short questions about changes or action you most want to see.
You can also upload other documents or files to express your views in a variety of ways:
- Written piece: Story, poem, letter, or any other original writing
- Artwork: Drawing, painting, or digital art
- Photograph: Original photos only
- Audio recording: Spoken word, music, or soundscapes
- Video recording: Short films, interviews, performances, or visual storytelling
I am a child or young person, can I participate?
If you are 16 years and older, you can make a submission via the online form.
If you are under 16 or the parent or guardian of a young person who wants to participate, please email voicesforaction@nationalcentre.org.au.
How will my submission be used?
The National Centre will review all submissions to better understand what changes victims and survivors most want to see.
Your voice will help shape the National Centre’s future work in policy, advocacy systems and sector reform.
With your informed consent, your submission may be published on our website, in reports, or in other resources. Only information you consent to being shared will be published.
Can my submission be anonymous or confidential?
Yes. We will ask all people making submissions to provide an email address so we can contact you to confirm how you would like your submission to be treated. We can keep your submission and your details private.
I want my submission to be made public – will you publish it?
We may not be able to publish all submissions. We plan to publish submissions (in full or in part) where permission has been given to do so.
We ask for a contact email address to be provided with all submissions so we can confirm how you would like your submission to be treated. We will not publish your submission if you do not want it to be public.
Will I be told how submissions have been used?
Yes. The National Centre will publish updates on Voices for Action on its website, in its newsletter and on social media and provide updates to those who made submissions via their email address.
How long will Voices for Action run for?
The Voices for Action campaign will run until early 2026. The National Centre will communicate via its website, social media and newsletter when the campaign is going to close.
Where can I find more information or support?
If you have questions or need support, please contact the National Centre directly or visit our website for resources and assistance. voicesforaction@nationalcentre.org.au
Ready to submit?
If you have any questions regarding this project please reach out to:
voicesforaction@nationalcentre.org.au
Help & Support
If you want to talk to someone about child sexual abuse or need support,
you can contact one of these services:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
24 hours a day,
7 days a week
13YARN: 13 92 76
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
A culturally safe crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
For people impacted by sexual assault, domestic and family violence and abuse
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Blue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service: 1300 657 380
9am-5pm, 7 days a week
For adults impacted by childhood trauma including child sexual abuse
QLife: 1800 184 527
3pm – midnight, 7 days a week
An LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.