Protecting Our Children Without Losing Hope: A Message for Families in Challenging Times

 

Protecting Our Children Without Losing Hope: 
A Message for Families in Challenging Times
By Niki Gent, Family & Child Consultants

Like so many parents, carers, and professionals across Australia, I was deeply shaken by the recent news out of Victoria: two men—(and I use that term loosely)—charged with multiple offences against children of a sexual nature. Stories like these cut right to the heart of every parent’s greatest fear. They force us to confront the unthinkable and leave us asking: How do I leave my child in someone else’s care and trust that they will be safe?
As a mother, grandmother, a social worker, and someone who has dedicated a career to supporting families through trauma, I want to share a message of both caution and hope. The world can be a frightening place, but it is also full of love, laughter, and genuine goodness. We must not let the actions of a few rob us of our faith in humanity or our children’s right to a joyful childhood.
If there’s one piece of advice I can give every parent, it’s this: trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right about a person, a situation, or an environment, listen to that inner voice. You don’t need to justify your unease. Your job is to protect your child, not to make others comfortable.
Children often communicate discomfort or distress in subtle ways—changes in behaviour, reluctance to see certain people, or vague complaints about feeling “weird” or “scared.” Listen closely. Create space for your child to speak honestly, and reassure them that they can always come to you, no matter what.
It’s also never too early to start teaching children about body safety, boundaries, and consent. Use clear, age-appropriate language. Let them know:
These conversations are not about making children fearful—they’re about empowering them.
You also need to create your village.
No one can do this alone. Surround your family with people you trust—relatives, friends, teachers, and community members who share your values and will look out for your children. Make it a priority to get to know the adults in your child’s life. 
Ask questions. 
Stay involved.
Importantly.....
I know how easy it is to let fear take over when you hear about horrific crimes against children. But please, don’t let the actions of a few alleged offenders change your view of the world. The vast majority of people are good, kind, and want to see children thrive. There is still so much joy, love, and laughter to be found. Our children deserve to experience all of it.
As a community, we can honour those affected by these tragedies by staying vigilant, supporting one another, and continuing to build a world where children are safe, heard, and cherished.
If you or your family need support, or if you want guidance on how to talk to your children about safety and boundaries, please reach out. At Family & Child Consultants, we’re here to walk beside you—every step of the way.
With compassion and hope,


If you have concerns about a child’s safety, please contact your local authorities or reach out to us for confidential support and advice. Together, we can protect our children and nurture their joy.



Niki Gent – Founder & Principal Consultant

MBA, Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Diploma of Counselling

Niki Gent is the founder and principal consultant of Family & Child Consultants, widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading voices in trauma-informed care, family wellbeing, and professional development for the community services sector.
With over a decade of frontline and leadership experience, Niki’s career has spanned child protection, family counselling, organisational consulting, and corporate training. She holds an MBA, a Master of Social Work, a Bachelor of Criminal Justice, and a Diploma of Counselling—bringing both academic rigour and lived insight to her work.
Driven by a deep belief in the power of evidence-based, compassionate support, Niki has helped hundreds of children, families, and organisations navigate complex challenges including trauma recovery, family violence, mental health, and crisis response. She is known for her ability to translate the latest research into practical, accessible strategies that empower clients and professionals alike.
Niki is also a sought-after trainer and speaker, delivering workshops on trauma-informed practice, cultural awareness, leadership, and program evaluation to audiences across Australia’s health, education, disability, and community sectors. Her approach is grounded in empathy, clarity, and a commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces for growth and healing.
Beyond her clinical and consulting work, Niki is passionate about community education and advocacy. She regularly contributes expert commentary to media, leads webinars and public forums, and partners with organisations to promote child safety, family resilience, and sector-wide best practice.
Above all, Niki Gent is dedicated to helping people and organisations rewrite their stories—moving from crisis to confidence, and from surviving to thriving.

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