Abuse on the rise in Vic youth systems

Rates of abuse and exploitation are rising in Victoria's out-of-home care for children and youth. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Victorian children and young people in out-of-home care are increasingly suffering from physical abuse and sexual exploitation, as the state government signals it could unilaterally raise the age of criminal responsibility.

Experts have raised safety concerns about the state's child protection and youth justice systems after a new government report highlighted fundamental systemic flaws.