Child sexual abuse is illegal in Australia
Child sexual abuse can occur at home, in an institution, or in other places.
Child sexual abuse includes where an adult uses their influence over a child to involve them in sexual activity, including sexual touching. Child sexual abuse can occur once, or more than once. Child sexual abuse can happen in-person or online. It may involve grooming.
Child sexual abuse includes any sexual activity or threats with a person who is under the age of consent.
A survivor of child sexual abuse might understand right away that what happened to them was abuse or many years might pass before a person understands that they have been abused. Everyone’s experience of child sexual abuse is different. However, child sexual abuse is always serious and never the fault of the child who has been abused. An adult should never abuse a child or allow a child in their care to be abused.
Australia has laws to protect children from sexual abuse and to provide redress for survivors in some circumstances.
Stolen Generations survivors may have redress options.
If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse, knowmore can help you understand the redress or compensation options that are relevant to you. Please call our free advice line on 1800 605 762.
