In a bid to prevent child abuse related deaths, a leading domestic violence prevention researcher urged Government agencies to offer more consideration for the type of child abuse when prioritising cases.

Speaking at a Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence forum this week, University of Sydney researcher Jude Irwin said a high percentage of child abuse cases that resulted in children being killed, related directly to domestic violence.

“With about 120 000 reported cases of child abuse in New South Wales last year, Government agencies have to judge the seriousness of individual cases. Cases relating to domestic violence are often dismissed or given less priority than other cases – they are less likely to follow-up domestic violence abuse cases as quickly.

“Agencies need to know how to assess what should be followed up as a priority and what could be referred through other channels.

She said a four-year study, which included an examination of children’s attitudes to domestic violence, was applicable in Queensland.

“The findings indicate agencies need to address domestic violence in a collaborative manner whereby a number of departments work together.

“Practitioners who work with children need to realise the consequences violence has for children.

“Although children may hear the violence or see the results, they also can feel it because of the dynamics within the household. Often these children are fearful of making noise as they believe this will result in violence.

Research results from studying the cases of 18 children, aged 8-18 years, indicated children blamed themselves for the domestic violence. Some children did not query the violence because they thought all children experienced this kind of abuse. The respondents had been exposed to emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

Associate Professor Jude Irwin will present the Domestic Violence and Child Protection research project at Central Queensland University, Mackay from 9am on June 13.