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ASCA advocacy
'Advocate' means:
 To support or recommend publicly;
To plead for or speak in favour of; or
A person who upholds or defends a cause.
ASCA is proud to advocate on behalf of survivors of all forms of abuse. We are in a unique position to lobby due to the close relationship we have with our network of members/survivors. We know, from experience, the burdens that survivors must face and we do what we can to implement change.
Historically we have never been in a better position in regard ‘speaking out’ about child abuse. The last twenty years has seen tremendous improvements in community education on the issue of child abuse. To a certain extent though, the media often minimise the issue in order to make it easier for the community. Minimising such heinous offences only serves to protect the perpetrators.
Our aim is to always support the survivor.
At the recent ISPCAN International Child Abuse Conference in Brisbane Dr Chris Goddard (Monash University) and Joe Tucci (Australian Childhood Foundation) presented a session entitled 'Decriminalisation of Child Abuse in Australia'. Some of the research, particularly in regard prosecuting child sex offences, is alarming to say the least.
It is obvious that we need law reform in regard child sex offences - this is evidenced by the very low reporting rates. ASCA will continue to push for Federal Legislation which would unite the States in the battle against child abuse.
To Date…
ASCA South Australia were instrumental in abolishing a law in Parliament that prevented any person who was sexually abused in that state from prosecuting their abuser in the criminal court, if the abuse occurred before 1982. This significant achievement has paved the way for many survivors of child sexual abuse in South Australia to seek justice from the courts. The success of this legislative reform was made possible through an extended campaign of lobbying politicians and maximising media opportunities by a large number of committed volunteers.
ASCA Western Australia lobbied for many years for the implementation of mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse. WA remains the only state without some form of mandatory reporting legislation. ASCA Western Australia assisted in the development of a policy for the state opposition and continues to call for the introduction of this important legislation.
Nationally we have, and continue to lobby for:
counselling fees for survivors to be covered by Medicare
a Royal Commission into child abuse
better services for survivors of child abuse
tougher child protection legislation
making the justice system more accessible for victims
the balancing of the scales of justice – generally, sentences that better reflect the horrific impacts these crimes have on children forever.
On a personal level many ASCA members have been assisted by our volunteer advocates. Assistance ranges from court support to addressing issues with the police, justice systems and health systems.
Can we help you? Or, can you help us? Go to the join/contact section of this website to locate the ASCA office closest to you. See also the publications/news/media section to learn where we stand on many issues relating to child abuse.
'ASCA gave me a voice. When I took my step-father to court, ASCA gave me the strength to go through that process. I was not alone in court – I was a member of ASCA.' - Member Comment
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