Safe from the Start research project launch
Wednesday 17th September, 2008
Deputy Premier launches cutting-edge research about children and violence
The ‘Safe from the Start’ research project is the first of its kind in Australia. It focuses on the effect violence can have on young children’s development and what resources professionals and parents can use for early intervention. Hon Lara Giddings Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Human Services is launching this report to the community on behalf of The Salvation Army.
When: Thursday 18 September 2008 - 1pm for 1.15pm start.
Where: The Salvation Clarence City Church
135 Clarence Street, Howrah.
The Salvation Army employed Dr Angela Spinney to conduct the ‘Safe from the Start’ research and contracted Dr John Guenther and Dr Erica Bell from the University of Tasmania, to evaluate the project.
Research shows young children exposed to violence can form unhealthy pathways in their brain, which become the foundation for their brain structure for life.
In the most recent and detailed study the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS, 1998) found one quarter of assaults related to violence in the family, with 36% of women who experienced violence saying children had witnessed the attacks.
Dr Angela Spinney says 36% is an under-estimate because many children are far more aware of violence in the home than their parents realise.
“While children who have witnessed abuse can be negatively affected, with thoughtful responses and the right resources, children need not be forever damaged.
“Some of the books we have accessed have been fantastic because children can relate to the characters who are living in a women’s shelter or who have experienced violence and they can empathise with them,” said Dr Spinney.
Resources from America, the United Kingdom and Australia were trialed with young children in women’s shelters, parenting groups and other organizations in order to find the most effective tools available. A training manual, books, CD’s, flash cards, puppets and stickers form the ‘Safe from the Start’ Tool Kit – an innovative resource for professionals working with children. The Kit will be on display at the launch.
Research shows play therapy in a non-therapeutic environment such as a women’s shelter, or through other domestic or family violence services, can have a beneficial impact on the long-term mental health prognosis of children. Experts say early intervention helps prevent emotional and intellectual problems later in life.
The Safe from the Start project was funded through the Australian Government’s Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault Initiative, which aims to address the impact of domestic and family violence and sexual assault through: community-based research; training and information dissemination; product development; and/or other innovative responses and approaches to combating violence.
The project was prompted by recommendations from of the Salvation Army Tasmania research study ‘States of Mind’ - about the needs of children under 5 affected by family violence.
It attempts to address the imbalances in the ways the needs of adult and child clients are being met, providing a unique opportunity for the domestic and family violence services across Tasmania to work collaboratively.
Salvation Army Divisional Commander, Major Graeme McClimont said the project also has the potential to be rolled out nationally.
“This is an innovative project because it is unique. The Salvation Army has invested time and resources into this because it has the potential to assist such a broad range of people from school based social workers, child protection workers, childcare workers and parents.
“The Salvation Army’s intention is to provide the training in another 25 sites in Tasmanian, including rural locations and develop a training module for men’s services,” Major McClimont said.
Available for Interview at Launch
Who: Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Human Services Hon Lara Giddings MP will launch the ‘Safe from the Start’ report.
Author of the ‘Safe from the Start’ Report: An Action Research Project –
A response to the needs of children aged 0-5 affected by domestic violence,
Dr. Angela Spinney.
Authors of ‘Safe from the Start’: The Evaluation – A response to the needs of children aged 0-5 affected by domestic violence, Dr John Guenther, Principal Researcher and Dr Erica Bell.
Salvation Army Divisional Commander, Major Graeme McClimont
When: Thursday 18 September 2008 - 1pm for 1.15pm start.
Where: The Salvation Clarence City Church - 135 Clarence Street, Howrah.
All Media are invited to attend
Major Brad Halse, Communications Director
The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory
Phone: (03) 8878 2406 Mobile: 0417 537 950
