What is Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sexual abuse is a global problem that knows no physical, financial, socioeconomic, geographic, cultural or gender boundaries.

All forms of child sexual abuse are a profound violation of the human rights of the child and a crime under law and the impacts of this crime are far-reaching for children, families and communities.

Bravehearts defines child sexual abuse and exploitation as any act of inappropriately exposing or subjecting a child (under the age of 18) to sexual activity, contact or behaviour by an adult for the purposes of gratification (sexual or otherwise).

Sexual abuse and exploitation can involve a range of behaviours including but not limited to:

– Forced or unwanted sex, both penetrative or non-penetrative

– Forcing a child to strip or masturbate

– Inappropriate touching of a child, whether clothed or unclothed

– Engaging in any kind of sexual activity in front of a child, including watching pornography

– Taking, downloading, viewing or distributing sexual images of children

– Possessing images of child sexual abuse

– Encouraging a child to perform sexual acts in front of a webcam or any recording device

– Grooming a child (or their parent or carer). Grooming a child (or their parent or carer) refers to the way some offenders form relationships and build trust with children, parents, carers, teachers and other children in order to get close to a child and create the opportunity for sexual abuse. It can be difficult to identify because the behaviour itself may not be abusive or sexual. Grooming can often occur online.

• If you believe a child is in immediate risk, contact emergency services on 000.

• If you have observed any of the above or have serious concerns relating to the sexual abuse of a child, contact Policelink on 131 444.

• For further information regarding child sexual abuse and reporting options, please contact the Bravehearts Information and Support Line on 1800 2720 831 or visit your local State or Territory Child Protection Services website.