Organisations can show young people they’re safe: “by being a safe space, not judging, being kind, listening and helping you when you need it."
- Arial, a young Aboriginal Tasmanian
The Universal Principle is a part of the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework. The Universal Principle states that organisations must provide an environment that ensures the right to Cultural Safety of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children.
This means when organisations put each of the Child and Youth Safe Standards into practice, they must also give effect to the Universal Principle for Aboriginal Cultural Safety. The Universal Principle applies to all 10 Standards.
Cultural safety can be understood as an environment or relationship where:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people feel safe to be themselves
- their Aboriginality is respected
- their sense of self and identity is nurtured and encouraged.
Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can determine whether an organisation is culturally safe.
To assist organisations with understanding and embedding the Universal Principle, the Independent Regulator, or the Deputy Regulator (yet to be appointed) must be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
Learn more about:
Seeking help?
We encourage anyone affected by, or with concerns about, child sexual abuse or other types of child abuse to access advice and support.
Tasmania:
-
For information about child wellbeing and safety, contact
Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line:- Phone: 1800 000 123
-
For free and confidential support for people who have been affected by sexual violence, contact the Tasmanian Sexual Assault Support Line (24 hour response state-wide):
- Phone: 1800 697 877
- This line is run by the Sexual Assault Support Service in the South, and Laurel House in the North West.
-
For information and support for children, young people and adults affected by family violence, contact
Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:- Phone: 1800 608 122
-
For free and confidential support for people impacted by crime, contact Victims of Crime Service:
- Phone: 1300 300 238
-
For support for relationships and to live positive lives, contact Relationships Australia Tasmania:
- Phone: 1300 364 277
-
For culturally appropriate, trauma-informed legal and non-legal services and assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims/survivors of family violence and sexual assault, contact SIS.
- Phone: 1800 747 827
National:
-
For domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling and support, contact
1800RESPECT:- Phone: 1800 737 732
-
For short-term support if you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe, contact Lifeline:
- Phone: 13 11 14
-
For free professional phone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide living in Australia, contact Suicide Call Back Service:
- Phone: 1300 659 467
-
For information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention for everyone in Australia, contact Beyond Blue:
- Phone: 1300 224 636
-
For information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma, contact
Blue Knot Foundation:- Phone: 1300 657 380
-
For counselling and support for Australian men, contact MensLine Australia:
- Phone: 1300 789 978
-
For advice for men about family violence, contact Men's Referral Service:
- Phone: 1300 766 491
-
For free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years, contact Kids Helpline:
- Phone: 1800 55 1800