03/07/2025
Statement from the Independent Collective of Survivors (ICOS):
We are aware of statements erroneously attributed to ICOS by press outlets. ICOS has not made a statement or approved a public position on men working in childcare.
ICOS has a broad network of diverse survivors with different views based upon their lived experiences. ICOS as an organisation does not have a position on banning men from working in childcare and has not issued other statements about this topic.
ICOS is an independent, survivor-led organization dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of individuals who have endured family violence, sexual violence, and child abuse and maltreatment.
Our mission and role is to advocate for systemic changes that prioritise safety and well-being, and to provide a platform for survivors to share their stories and contribute to solutions. We believe in the power of lived experience to inform and drive meaningful change. Most of our work is non-public facing and focuses on advocating for survivor driven systemic change, and driving that change through survivor advocacy with decision makers and community organisations.
We deeply respect the stories and experiences of all individuals we work with, including those who are or part of our network and communities. We acknowledge the immense courage it takes for survivors to share their perspectives, and we firmly believe in the right of every survivor to voice their views based on their own lived experience and be heard. In this context, we respect the right of the advocate named in the press to express her personal opinions on her own behalf in the press, given her profound experiences as a survivor and those of people close to her.
It is established and board approved ICOS practice to not have public positions going beyond our above-stated mission and role, as at our core, we exist to centre the diverse and divergent voices of lived experience of abuse and violence - one story and one voice, and no one perspective more important than any other.
We stand in solidarity with all families and acknowledge that abuse can be perpetrated by individuals of any gender. Addressing child sexual abuse (CSA), abuse, and negligence in childcare settings requires a multifaceted approach. This includes harm prevention programmes, better funding for childcare services, robust child-safe standards, and funded diligent oversight and enforcement of these standards.
For all media requests please email [email protected] to connect with a current Board member authorised to make position statements.
12/03/2025