Australia’s first national child sexual abuse offending prevention service

The Attorney-General has announced that Jesuit Social Services has been awarded a contract to establish and deliver Australia’s first national child sexual abuse offending prevention service under the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030 (National Strategy).

The service has been developed in response to Recommendation 6.2 of the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse and measure 21 of the First National Action Plan under the National Strategy. It will be based on successful international models and is supported by law enforcement, academics and clinicians.

The goal of the new prevention service is to protect children from sexual abuse by intervening before an individual offends or reoffends. The service will provide advice and guidance on how people can learn to manage unwanted feelings and stop harmful or offending behaviour. It will also offer guidance for those concerned about another adult’s behaviour. People will be able to access this advice and guidance anonymously through a free national helpline and website with self-help resources.

The contract has been awarded following comprehensive consultations and an extensive procurement process. The National Office for Child Safety anticipates that the service will be launched in the first half of 2026.

Preventing potential offending is just one part of the Australian Government’s holistic approach to preventing and addressing child sexual abuse under the National Strategy. The National Strategy also includes activities to support and empower victims and survivors, improve safeguarding in organisations, raise community awareness, and improve data and research.

Reading about child sexual abuse can be confronting. Visit our Get support page for a list of dedicated support services.