Show Me
What is your name?
My name is Professor Daryl Higgins. I’m a psychologist and researcher with a lifelong commitment to improving the wellbeing and safety of children, young people, and families.
What is your role and how long have you been doing this?
I’m the Director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies at Australian Catholic University, a role I’ve held since 2017. Prior to that, I spent 13 years in senior research leadership roles at a government research agency, the Australian Institute of Family Studies. And before that, I taught and supervised undergraduate, honours and doctoral students in psychology. Across my career, I’ve worked at the intersection of psychology, public health, and social policy to advance child protection and family wellbeing.
What are you most proud of?I’m particularly proud of pioneering the concept of “multi-type maltreatment,” which has reshaped how we understand and respond to children experiencing multiple forms of abuse. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see this work influence national policy and practice, including the landmark Australian Child Maltreatment Study, which I was fortunate to be one of the team of 10 chief investigators.
What’s the best thing about being a part of the Global Safeguarding Alliance?
Being part of the Global Safeguarding Alliance means collaborating with passionate professionals around the world who share a commitment to making institutions safer for children. It’s energising to be part of a network that values evidence, innovation, and child-centred approaches to safeguarding.
Highlight a specific accomplishment since being a part of the Global Safeguarding Alliance
One highlight has been collaborating on survey-based projects across the globe. Much of my research has been located here in Australia, so its exciting to be able to join forces with colleagues to understand the experiences and the contexts of church ministries in countries and cultures very different from my own.
Who do you most admire?
I deeply admire Distinguished Professor Ben Mathews, a colleague who led the Australian Child Maltreatment Study, and another of our ACMS co-investigators Professor David Finkelhor, whose writing on the topic of child sexual abuse encouraged me to also focus my research over the last 30 years on this issue. Their dedication to rigorous research and policy impact has been instrumental in advancing child safety both nationally and globally. But I also deeply admire so many different practitioners who are working on the ground, every day to support families and children – particularly those who are implanting prevention efforts – whether it be deploying evidence-based supports to families, or preventing child sexual abuse through design and delivery of comprehensive sex ed, respectful relationship and consent education.
What inspired you to focus on research or practice related to safeguarding children?
My early work with clients as a probationary psychologist exposed me to the long-term impacts of childhood trauma. That experience, combined with a deep belief in social justice, and the right of all children to grow up without experiencing violence, inspired me to pursue research that could inform better systems and practices to protect children and support families.
What is the toughest challenge you've had at work?
One of the most frustrating challenges has been seeing robust, evidence-based solutions developed through research—only to witness limited uptake or implementation. Despite clear findings that illuminate both the problems and the pathways forward, systemic inertia or competing priorities often stall progress. It’s disheartening when research that could significantly improve outcomes for children and families isn’t translated into policy or practice. Bridging that gap remains a central focus of my work.
What advice would you give someone just starting their career in safeguarding?
Stay curious, stay compassionate, and stay connected. Safeguarding is complex and emotionally demanding, but it’s also deeply rewarding. Seek out mentors, engage with research, and always centre the voices and rights of children in your work.
We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday
If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.