The ACCCE, a coalition of law enforcement and governmental entities, is dedicated to halting online child sexual exploitation. It provides resources for reporting inappropriate, harmful, or illegal activities affecting children online in Australia.
If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, dial Triple Zero (000) or contact your local police. For anonymous reporting, visit Crime Stoppers or call 1800 333 000.
If you have been affected by child sexual abuse or online exploitation, seek assistance and information on our support page.
Recognizing and Acting on Suspicious Behavior
If you believe a child is at risk, gather evidence before taking action. This includes saving conversations, social media profiles, URLs, dates, and any other relevant details.
Before blocking or removing the user, collect evidence to provide to law enforcement. The eSafety Commissioner offers guidance and instructional videos on gathering evidence.
Gathering Evidence for Online Exploitation Cases
Collecting evidence is crucial in cases of online child sexual exploitation, such as grooming and live streaming. Save chats, images, videos, URLs, social media information, dates, and other pertinent details.
Reporting Illegal Content
Describe instances of child sexual abuse, child abuse material (CAM), or illicit content to the eSafety Commissioner for investigation and removal. Cooperate with law enforcement, whether the cases are local or international.
Addressing Image-Based Abuse
Image-based abuse involves sharing intimate images without consent, including real, altered, or fake images/videos. Producing, possessing, or distributing sexualized images of minors is a crime and should be reported to the authorities.
The eSafety Commissioner can assist in removing such images/videos and taking legal action against the perpetrators.
Combating Cyberbullying
The eSafety Commissioner tackles severe cyberbullying against Australian children by collaborating with social media platforms to promptly remove threatening, abusive, or harassing content.
Reporting Cybercrime
Use ReportCyber to securely report instances of cybercrime in Australia, including fraud, scams, and harassment. Contact ReportCyber or local law enforcement for assistance.
Guidance on Scam Awareness
ACCC’s ScamWatch offers guidance to consumers and small businesses on recognizing, avoiding, and reporting scams effectively.
International Collaboration Against Online Exploitation
The ACCCE partners with national and international law enforcement to combat online child exploitation in Australia. Report incidents involving Australian perpetrators/victims to the ACCCE and contact local authorities for incidents outside Australia.
Identifying objects in child sexual abuse images is crucial in the fight against online exploitation.
Raising Awareness and Monitoring Online Activities
Inform parents and caregivers about online risks, closely monitor children’s online behavior, and engage in conversations about online safety.
Everyone has a role to play in preventing predatory behavior online and safeguarding children from harm.
Crime Stoppers provides information on online safety through their website and social media platforms to educate the public.
About the Issue
Child sexual abuse material encompasses images, videos, and live streams depicting the sexual exploitation of children, ranging from suggestive poses to direct assaults by known or unknown individuals.
Online exploitation of children by strangers is on the rise, involving the recording of abuse, coercion for explicit material, or sharing stolen images from social media.
The global circulation of child sexual abuse material fuels the demand for more extreme content, underscoring the urgency of addressing this problem.
In an Australian Context
Children’s internet access through diverse devices exposes them to risks like cyberbullying, inappropriate sharing, or grooming by predators, as evidenced by financial records showing Australians paying to view child sexual abuse online.
Individuals from various professions, including aged care workers and housewives, have been implicated, highlighting the need for increased vigilance.
Advice for Parents and Caregivers
- Secure social media accounts and control post visibility.
- Decline friend requests from strangers.
- Engage in discussions with children about online activities and maintain open communication for reporting suspicious behavior.
Recognizing Warning Signs:
What to Do:
- Stay vigilant online and report signs of online child sexual abuse promptly.
- Community reporting is vital in halting crimes and shutting down illegal content.
- Monitor children’s online behavior closely and report any concerning activities to the authorities.
Parents are urged to monitor their children’s online activities, educate them on identifying danger signs, ensure privacy settings on social media accounts, and foster open and trusting relationships. They should also refuse friend requests from strangers, discuss the websites and apps their children use, and maintain open communication.
Reporting suspicions of child sexual abuse material is critical. Contact Crime Stoppers or the Office of eSafety to report any information or suspicions. It is crucial for everyone to contribute to combating predatory behavior online and safeguarding children.
Child sexual abuse material includes images, videos, and live streams depicting children’s sexual abuse or exploitation. It comes in various forms, from suggestive poses to direct sexual assaults and can be shared through social media, apps, or stolen content.
Online enticement involves communicating with children for sexual offenses or abduction, often through grooming tactics and sextortion. Certain online behaviors, like misrepresenting age or sending explicit content, heighten the risk of enticement.
The CyberTipline reports a significant increase in cases of online enticement, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant online and report any suspicious activities. Organizations like NCMEC provide resources for identifying victims, reporting abuse, and educating the public on online safety.
NCMEC offers crisis intervention, referrals for counseling, and the Team HOPE program for families with missing or exploited children.
Parents and caregivers should seek information about local risks to ensure children’s safety. While the UK lacks a public sex offenders register, inquiries can be made through the child sex offender disclosure scheme (Sarah’s Law) regarding specific individuals.
Learn more about:
- Concerns about another adult
- Sarah’s Law / disclosure scheme
- Eligibility for requests
- Requesting information about at-risk adults
- Steps for enhancing child safety
- Frequently Asked Questions
If a Child is in Immediate Danger
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, dial 999. Suspicious behavior can be reported to a confidential helpline or the Stop It Now! website.
Be aware of warning signs of abuse in both children and adults.
Information Sharing under Sarah’s Law
While there isn’t a public sex offenders register, details can be shared under Sarah’s Law. Megan’s Law and Family Watchdog are specific to the USA.
Child Safety Inquiries under Sarah’s Law
Sarah’s Law allows for inquiries about potential risks to children from registered sex offenders. The scheme enhances the existing processes for managing offenders.
Requesting Information on Child Sex Offenders
Parents, guardians, or third parties can request information under the child sex offenders disclosure scheme. Anyone can approach authorities to inquire about individuals who have contact with children.
Police Processing of Information Requests
Authorities process applications for information, but disclosure is not guaranteed. Information is shared with individuals best positioned to protect children.
Investigating Potential Risks
Even without concrete suspicion, an investigation can be triggered to evaluate if an individual poses a risk to children.
Contacting Authorities for Information
Visit a police station or call the local non-emergency number for further details.
Safeguarding Children and Reporting Concerns
Actively protect children, regardless of proof of abuse. Offer children support and respond empathetically to disclosures of abuse.
Report concerns about behaviors toward children to the authorities.
Information Sharing for Child Protection
Information is provided under safeguarding arrangements to shield children from abuse. Registered offenders are supervised by law enforcement under MAPPA.
Confidentiality is maintained during checks, and disclosure is carefully managed to prevent vigilantism.
Making false applications for information can lead to legal action.
Create a Family Safety Plan
Developing a family safety plan is essential to ensure a safe environment for children. Here are some key steps to consider when creating a plan:
- Identify potential hazards in and around your home, such as sharp objects, cleaning supplies, and electrical outlets.
- Establish rules and guidelines for children, such as not opening the door for strangers and always wearing a helmet while riding a bike.
- Teach children emergency procedures, such as how to dial 911 and what to do in case of a fire.
- Designate a meeting place outside of the home in case of a fire or other emergency.
- Regularly review and practice the safety plan with your children to ensure they are prepared in case of an emergency.
By taking these steps and creating a comprehensive family safety plan, you can help protect your children and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe in any situation.
Understanding Warning Signs
Familiarize yourself with warning signs in both adults and children to better protect children.
Warning signs in adults may include increased irritability, excessive drinking, isolation, and sudden mood changes. In children, warning signs may include sudden changes in behavior, unexplained injuries, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, and difficulty sleeping.
It is important to take these warning signs seriously and seek help if you notice them in yourself or others. By being aware of these signs, we can better protect children from potential harm.
Recognizing Harmful Behavior
Identify harmful behaviors in young individuals to safeguard children.
It is essential to be able to recognize harmful behaviors in young individuals to protect children from potential harm. Some signs of harmful behavior may include aggression towards others, manipulation, lying, and bullying. It is important to pay attention to any changes in behavior, such as sudden mood swings, withdrawal from others, or secretive behavior. By being aware of these signs, adults can intervene early and provide support to prevent further harm. Educating children on healthy boundaries and communication can also help empower them to recognize and report any harmful behavior they may encounter.
Responding to Abuse Disclosures
Handle disclosures of abuse from children sensitively.
Additional Contact Information
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Company Info
Parents Protect is an initiative launched by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a charitable organization and limited liability company.