Child sexual abuse refers to any situation where a child or young person (under 18 years of age) is involved in sexual activity that exploits, harms, or takes advantage of them.
The National Office for Child Safety (National Office) defines child sexual abuse as any act that exposes a child or young person (under 18 years of age) to, or involves a child or young person in, sexual activities that:
- they do not understand
- they do not or cannot consent to (acknowledging that children cannot consent to sexual activity with an adult)
- are not accepted by the community
- are unlawful.
This definition is from the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030 (National Strategy) and was informed by the language and definition used in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse- external site (Royal Commission).
Children do not have the legal, developmental, or emotional capacity to consent to sexual activity with adults, or to sexual situations involving coercion, manipulation, exploitation, or abuse of power.
Child sexual abuse includes a wide range of behaviours, including both contact and non-contact acts. For example:
- sexual touching, assault, or rape
- forcing, pressuring, or encouraging a child to engage in sexual activity
- exposing a child to sexual acts or sexual material, including pornography
- grooming a child online or in person for sexual purposes
- creating, sharing, or threatening to share sexual images of a child
- sexual exploitation in exchange for money, gifts, attention, status, or other benefits
- involving a child in prostitution, exploitation, or trafficking.
Abuse can be perpetrated by adults or by other young people where there is an imbalance of power, coercion, or exploitation and or a lack of consent, reciprocity or mutuality. It can occur in families, institutions, communities, peer relationships, and online environments.
Paedophilia refers to a recurrent, intense sexual interest in pre-pubescent children. It’s important to note that the term is often used in the community to describe anyone who commits a child sexual offence, but this is not accurate. Many people who offend do not have a sexual interest in pre-pubescent children, and not everyone with this sexual interest commits an offence.
Sexual interests can relate to different age groups:
- Hebephilia: sexual interest in young people at the beginning of puberty
- Ephebophilia: sexual interest in adolescents in mid- to late puberty
A person may have an interest in more than one age group.
Paedophilic interest or disorder is diagnosed only when it is recurrent and intense, involving fantasies, urges or behaviours about pre-pubescent children that have been present for at least six months and the individual is aged 16 or older and is at least five years older than the child.
The reasons why some people develop a paedophilic interest or disorder are not fully understood. Research suggests that a mix of biological, psychological and social factors may contribute, and these vary from person to person.
It’s important to distinguish between sexual interest and sexual behaviour. Having a sexual interest in pre-pubescent children (paedophilia) is not illegal in Australia.
What is illegal is acting on that interest in any way. Any sexual behaviour involving an adult and a child, either online or offline, is a criminal offence in every state and territory. This includes producing, accessing or sharing child sexual abuse material, grooming, sexual communication with a child, and any offending involving physical contact.
There is ongoing debate about whether a sexual interest itself can change. What we do know is that many people with a sexual interest in children can learn to manage their thoughts and behaviour so that the interest no longer dominates their lives. With the right support, people can build healthier routines, reduce risky situations, and regain a sense of control.
It’s also important to remember that sexual thoughts do not equal child sexual abuse. These terms are often confused, but they are not the same.
Research shows that people who have committed child sexual offences can reduce their risk of reoffending with appropriate treatment and support. Change is possible – especially when someone seeks help and takes active steps to keep themselves and others safe.
If you’re worried about your thoughts or behaviour, free and anonymous help is available through us, Stop It Now! Australia helpline, at 1800 01 1800.
Any online content that depicts a child (under 18 years old) in a sexual way is illegal. This includes photos, videos, written descriptions, cartoons or animations, and AI-generated material. If it sexualises a child in any form, it is against the law.
There is also content that may be legal for the general public but not helpful or safe for you if you have viewed child sexual abuse material or have a sexual attraction to children. Pornography that shows adult–child role-play scenarios (for example, “teacher/student”) can reinforce harmful thoughts and patterns, making it harder to manage your behaviour. Avoiding this type of content is an important part of keeping yourself and others safe.
If you’re unsure or need support, our team at Stop It Now! Australia can help you understand your online risks and make safer choices. Call us on 1800 01 1800 to discuss your concerns.
It’s normal to feel unsure, but it’s important to trust your instincts. You don’t have to face your concerns alone. Our helpline is completely anonymous and non-judgemental, so you can share what you’re noticing without fear. We can help you explore the situation, discuss options, and navigate next steps safely even if you’re not certain whether something is wrong.
If it is an emergency, call 000 for police assistance.
Police Assistance Line (non-urgent)
Report non-urgent incidents to police in your state or territory.
Phone: 131 444
Crime Stoppers
Report any crime anonymously, including child sexual abuse in any state and territory. Crime Stoppers will then share the information with the relevant authorities.
Phone: 1800 333 000
Website: https://crimestoppers.com.au/
ACCCE
Report inappropriate behaviour towards children online, including any potential online sexual abuse of a child, and making or sharing of child sexual material.
Website: https://www.accce.gov.au/report
eSafety Commissioner
Anonymously report illegal and restricted content, including child sexual exploitation material.
Website: https://www.esafety.gov.au/report
You don’t have to be directly involved to make a difference. Learning the facts about child sexual abuse, challenging myths, and sharing this knowledge with family, friends, and colleagues helps create safer environments for children. Starting conversations about child safety and modelling protective behaviours in your community encourages others to do the same.
Resources such as Bravehearts and the National Office for Child Safety provide practical tips and guidance for supporting prevention efforts.
About the Stop It Now! Australia service
Stop It Now! Australia can help any adult who is concerned about their sexual thoughts or behaviours towards children, or the behaviour of another person.
You can contact Stop It Now! Australia by calling us on 1800 01 1800.
Our current opening hours are:
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM AEST/AEDT (Melbourne time)
Tuesday 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST/AEDT (Melbourne time)
Yes, Stop It Now! Australia is available across all Australian states and territories.
Yes, Stop It Now! Australia is anonymous.
To ensure anonymity your phone number is not visible to us. You do not have to identify yourself or anybody else during the call. We will not ask for your name, or other identifying details. To remain anonymous, it is important that you do not provide any identifiable information to us.
However, even though you will remain anonymous, we may be legally required to report information to relevant agencies if we believe that child abuse has occurred or is likely to occur.
We may be obligated to report information you do provide to relevant agencies if we believe that child abuse has occurred or is likely to occur. This includes online offending behaviours. We follow mandatory reporting obligations for all states and territories. We are an anonymous service, so we can only report the information you provide to us.
Stop It Now! Australia helpline and website are completely free of any cost.
We prioritise helping you connect with the right support. While we do not provide formal referrals, we will work with you to identify and guide you towards services that are best suited to your needs and circumstances.
If you’re worried about your online sexual behaviour and want help to stop, we strongly encourage you to contact us, Stop It Now! Australia helpline, on 1800 01 1800.
Our trained practitioners can talk through your situation with you, help you understand what may be driving your behaviour, and provide advice and guidance tailored to your circumstances. The helpline is free and anonymous – we will not ask for your name or any identifying details.
While you’re reaching out for support, it’s important to take immediate steps to keep yourself and others safe. This includes stopping any illegal online activity, setting limits around your internet use, and using filtering or blocking tools if that helps you stay away from harmful content. Examples include tools such as Net Nanny and Accountable2u.
You can also access our self-help modules.. These modules are anonymous and can help you understand your behaviour, reduce harm, and put safer habits in place without the need to talk to anyone. If you find any of it difficult or confronting, you can discuss it with a helpline practitioner available on 1800 01 1800.
Being arrested, charged and/or convicted for online offending can be confronting and stressful. It can also be an important opportunity to reflect on what has happened and take steps to change harmful behaviour. Many people use this moment as a turning point to better understand their actions, reduce risk, and make safer, healthier choices for themselves and others. Seeking support early can make a real difference.
You can also access our Get Help! self-help modules. These free, anonymous modules are designed to help you understand your online behaviour, recognise risks, and build skills to make safer choices. Some content can feel confronting, so work through it at your own pace and reach out for support if needed.
It’s also important to look after your wellbeing during this time. Try to maintain a routine with sleep, healthy eating, and daily activity, as these can help you manage overwhelm and think more clearly.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, consider making an appointment with your GP. They can help you access local support services. If you’re in crisis or feel unsafe, you can contact 24/7 mental health support services for immediate help (listed in the section below).
Your family or partner may also have questions or need support. Our website includes information for family and friends, and they can contact our helpline anonymously at any time too.
For guidance tailored to your situation, you can speak with one of our trained practitioner at Stop It Now! Australia on 1800 01 1800. We’re here to support you to make positive changes and prevent harm.
Accessing an interpreter is covered on our Accessibility Page.