Victoria is facing a disturbing surge in allegations of violence and sexual abuse within its early childhood education and care system, with more than 1000 reports involving carers, foster parents, and teachers recorded in the past year, according to the Commission for Children and Young People’s latest annual report.
The report, released this week, reveals that 705 cases were linked to childcare centres—an 84 per cent increase over three years and a 32 per cent rise in the past 12 months. Among these, 627 involved physical violence, 27 were classified as sexual offences, and 78 as sexual misconduct.
The alarming data coincides with one of the state’s worst childcare scandals involving Joshua Brown, a 26-year-old accused of sexually abusing eight children aged between five months and two years at a Point Cook centre. Brown faces 73 charges, including sexual penetration of a child under 12, producing child abuse material, and engaging in sexual acts in the presence of children.
Acting Principal Commissioner Meena Singh, who also serves as Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, said the sharp increase reflects stronger enforcement of the Child Safe Standards and growing awareness of grooming and sexual misconduct.
“This year we increased our enforcement, initiating compliance activity in 140 organisations that may not have taken all necessary steps to keep children safe,” Singh stated. “While we are seeing more sophisticated responses from organisations, some still show reluctance to substantiate complaints even when the evidence supports it.”
The Commission’s oversight of the Reportable Conduct Scheme aims to improve institutional responses to child safety concerns and promote transparency across Victoria’s childcare and education sectors.
Authorities and experts are calling for continued education, stronger accountability, and better training to ensure all institutions uphold their duty of care. As Victoria grapples with rising community concern, the findings serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within systems designed to protect the youngest and most innocent members of society.
