Changing attitudes does not change behaviour!

Research shows that international efforts to change attitudes about child sexual abuse in institutions has not delivered the behavioural changes sought. Offenders continue to seek out victims, staff continue to be ‘onlookers’, and management continue to enable the abuse by wilful blindness.

Behaviour is a function of consequence, not of attitudes, when it comes to child sexual abuse. Training programs are unlikely to change attitudes, let alone change behaviour. A different approach is required founded on actual accountability for individuals’ failure to deliver on their duty of care!

The Tasmania Government has trenchantly refused to make institutional leaders accountable for the widespread child sexual abuse that has been occurring over decades, and as a result the ‘calculus of management decision-making’ remains heavily in favour of more cover-ups.

A return to business as usual, means a return to abuse as usual, as the Commission of Inquiry recedes into recent history!

A total cultural re-set is needed, and this needs to be led by the Government of the day, and be continued over multiple election cycles. Tasmania needs a ‘change of heart”, and it needs to start at the very top!

Key takeaway 1:  Accountability is foundational to the prevention of CSA.

Key takeaway 2:  The calculus of decision-making in Tasmanian institutions still leans heavily toward cover-ups of CSA.  

Key takeaway 3:  Culture eats legislation for breakfast!