But a new awareness website launched by the Australian Medical Association NSW hopes to ‘stop the clock’ on child abuse.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward has welcomed the campaign to better recognise the warning signs.

With the launch of the ‘Stop The Clock’ website, Ms Goward said the whole community had a role to play in creating safer environments for children by speaking out about child abuse in all its forms.

“As a society, we need to safeguard children and young people against all forms of abuse: physical, sexual, psychological, as well as neglect,” Ms Goward said.

“This campaign is a call to action and a challenge to us all to see, understand and respond to the signs and symptoms of child abuse. The lives of our most vulnerable depend on it.”

The website www.stoptheclock.today offers many different forms of support.

Doctors and health professionals can also use it as a resource that helps them identify and respond to children and young people at risk of abuse.

The website provides advice on how to support vulnerable families through a range of resources such as video interviews with professionals from the Child Protection Unit at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. 

“Our frontline health workers and medical professionals do a wonderful job and they play a vital role in identifying and responding to child abuse and neglect,” Ms Goward said.

“‘Stop the Clock’ also contains information on where children and young people can find help. Importantly, it makes clear that abuse or neglect is never their fault.”