Child Abuse Reporting Statistics 1992-2007

Child abuse and the processes associated with the identification and management of possible abuse are defined under the Children Youth and Families Act 2005.  Child abuse is an act by parents or caregivers which endangers a child or young person's physical or emotional health or development. Child abuse can be a single incident, but usually takes place over time.  In Victoria, under the Children Youth and Families Act 2005 a child or young person is a person under eighteen years of age.