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About child sexual abuse

Information to support adults to learn what child sexual abuse is, how it occurs, and how to protect children and young people.

All adults have a responsibility to protect children and young people. Understanding what child sexual abuse is, how it occurs, and how to create safe environments for children and young people is an important step in preventing it.

Explore the pages below to find the information and resources you need to learn more about child sexual abuse.

What is child sexual abuse?

Information about what child sexual abuse is, including dispelling common myths and misconceptions.

How many people have experienced child sexual abuse?

Key statistics which demonstrate the prevalence and impact of child sexual abuse in Australia.

Signs and indicators of child sexual abuse

Examples of signs and indicators that children and young people may display if they have experienced child sexual abuse.

Who perpetrates child sexual abuse?

Information on who might perpetrate child sexual abuse.

Grooming

Information on what grooming is, as well as practical guidance on how to prevent grooming and how to report it.

How to respond to a child sexual abuse disclosure

Guidance for how to support victims and survivors disclosing child sexual abuse.

How to keep children and young people safe

Information to support adults to understand what they can do to protect children and young people.

Components

If you or a child are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

Information on reporting child safety concerns can be found on our Make a report page.

Get support

The information on this website may bring up strong feelings and questions for many people. There are many services available to assist you. A detailed list of support services is available on our Get support page.