The Harm was the System
The Campaign
It’s Time to Investigate the Truth About Abuse in Australian Education
Every day in this country, children are being harmed at schools and education settings. Especially neurodivergent, disabled and marginalised students.
They are being:
Physically restrained and secluded
Denied support and punished for disability-related behaviour
Bullied, assaulted and sexually abused, and then blamed or ignored
Forced out of education through silence, threats and system failures
Despite mounting evidence and decades of advocacy, there has never been a national inquiry into what’s really happening in Australian schools.
We are calling for that inquiry and we are not waiting quietly anymore.
Why This Matters
This campaign is about truth, accountability and safety.
Children are being harmed and the system is still covering it up.
Children with disabilities are 4 times more likely to experience abuse than their peers.
40% of students with disability report being bullied at school, many by staff as well as students.
One in five students with disability have been restrained or secluded in Australian schools.
Many are suspended, excluded or ‘asked to leave’ instead of being protected- this is school pushout and disproportionatley affects neurodivergent and disabled children.
Teachers and support staff report witnessing abuse but being ignored or punished when they speak out.
The abuse is not rare. The silence is not accidental.
We’re calling for a national inquiry because without it, abuse will stay in the shadows, and children will keep being harmed.
This isn’t about isolated incidents. The Harm was the System.
Our Demands
We are calling on the Federal Government to:
Establish a Royal Commission or National Inquiry into abuse in Australian schools and education settings
Centre the voices of children, families and disabled communities
Investigate all forms of abuse including restraint, neglect, bullying, physical and sexual assaults and school pushout
Identify where current policies are failing and where leadership is failing children
Set binding national standards for inclusive, trauma-informed, accountable education
Deliver a roadmap for reform with real protections, funding and oversight
Take Action
Sign the Petition
Our official Change.org petition is live. Your signature adds pressure, visability and momentum.
Email Your MP
We’ve created a simple template you can personalise and send in minutes.
Share Your Story
Have you or your child been harmed by the education system? Share your experience by simply filling in the form and help us push for truth.
Partner With Us
Organisations, advocacy groups, legal and researchers- We’re building this movement together and would love to hear from you.
Either head to the Contact Us page and fill in the form or email: admin@hopeincolour.org