Child sexual abuse

Child sexual abuse is when an adult, a stronger child or a teenager involves a child in sexual activity.

Find out more about the signs of child sexual abuse.

What is normal sexual behaviour in children

Read the examples of normal sexual behaviour for different age groups.

How to protect a child from sexual abuse

You should always:

• know who is looking after your children
• listen to your children and believe what they say — children hardly ever make up stories about sexual abuse
• watch your child for signs of distress in a specific person's company
• be aware of possible signs of grooming.

Find out more about how to protect a child from sexual abuse.

Get help and advice for child sexual abuse

In an emergency phone Triple Zero (000).

Phone your local police station about criminal matters related to child sexual abuse.

Or to report an offence, contact Policelink on 131 444.

If you have reason to suspect a child is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, contact:

• a Regional Intake Service (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
• the Child Safety After Hours Service Centre on 1800 177 135 outside business hours.
• ChildWise National Child Abuse Prevention Helpline on 1800 991 099.

Find out more about getting help and advice for child sexual abuse.

Failing to report or protect children from sexual crimes

It is an offense for any adult to fail to report sexual offending against a child by another adult to police. Since 5 July 2021, if an adult reasonably believes (or should reasonably believe) that a child is being or has been the victim of sexual abuse by another adult, they must report it to the police—unless they have a reasonable excuse not to. For example, they may have already reported the offence to Child Safety.

There were amendments made to the law in 2024 that clarified when certain professionals do not need to report information to police that a child has been sexually abused.

Find out more about failing to report sexual offences against children.

Myths and facts about child sexual abuse

Read some of the common myths about child sexual abuse, and the facts to help you understand the reality of child sexual abuse.