Greater education needed surrounding child sex abuse

The University of South Australia has brought together top child protection experts to explore the issue of child sexual exploitation.

Data from the ABS shows that sexual assaults in Australia are at an all-time high, with child sexual exploitation affecting more than 1.4 million Australian children before the age of 15.

Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse where an offender uses their power (physical, emotional, financial) over a child or young person, or a false identity to abuse a child sexually or emotionally. This occurs in both online and offline contexts.

Hosted in partnership with the Carly Ryan Foundation and Project Paradigm, and held on Tuesday, 6 September, UniSA ran an event designed to educate the community about the range of risk factors that contribute to child sexual exploitation and how families and young people can identify and respond to potential signs of child abuse.

The discussion featured Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard, Commissioner for Children and Young People Helen Connolly and South Australia Police Detective Chief Inspector Richard Lambert, as well as child protection experts from UniSA and Project Paradigm.

UniSA panellist and child protection researcher Associate Professor Elspeth McInnes said education plays a key role in stopping the abuse of children and young people.

“Child sexual exploitation is indiscriminate; it can affect any child or young person, of any age, gender or background, which means that we all have a responsibility to be more informed about this abuse,” she said.

“Increasing community and professional understanding of child sexual exploitation is vital so that parents, educators, police and human service professionals can better identify early warning signs and risks.

“Some of the greatest risks are associated with new technologies. The internet, gaming and social media are all prime environments for predators. But while online grooming behaviours and technology-assisted sexual abuse are broadly understood, incidences are still on the rise.

“But the risks also exist in offline contexts, where there is little awareness of young people being visibly targeted within public spaces such as fast-food outlets, shopping centres, school yards and parks.

“Education is essential to breaking this cycle of abuse, and we all have an obligation to learn more and be equipped to step in.”

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