Who Perpetrates Child Abuse in Australia?
When people think about child abuse, they often imagine a stranger as the offender. However, Australian research consistently shows that children are most often harmed by someone they know and trust.
The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS), the largest national study of child abuse and neglect conducted in Australia, found that child sexual abuse is most commonly perpetrated by trusted adults, family members, caregivers, peers or other known individuals.
Abuse Often Occurs Within Trusted Relationships
Children are most vulnerable to abuse in environments where adults or older peers have established trust, access and authority. Evidence shows that perpetrators are commonly:
• Parents or caregivers
• Extended family members
• Family friends
• Teachers, coaches or community leaders
• Other young people known to the child
Contrary to common belief, abuse is rarely committed by strangers. In many cases, perpetrators deliberately build trust with children, families and organisations to strategically reduce suspicion and gain access.
Another widespread misconception is that offenders fit a particular profile. In reality, offenders come from all backgrounds, professions, cultures and communities. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse found that many perpetrators appeared trustworthy, respected and well-liked. This is critical as it highlights how safeguarding cannot rely on instinct, assumptions or background checks alone.
Effective safeguarding requires:
• Strong child-safe organisational cultures
• Clear behavioural expectations
• Effective supervision practices
• Systems that encourage early reporting of concerns
Harmful Sexual Behaviour Between Young People
Research also shows that harmful sexual behaviour between children and young people is more common than many organisations realise. Safeguarding efforts must therefore address risks posed not only by adults but also by peer interactions.
The ACMS identified that a significant proportion of young Australians reported experiences of sexual harm involving peers or other adolescents they knew. This underscores the need for:
• Age-appropriate education
• Early intervention strategies
• Active supervision
• Clear behavioural guidelines for young people
What This Means for Organisations
Organisations that work with children and young people need to move beyond the idea that risk only comes from “dangerous strangers”.
Effective safeguarding means creating environments where safety is actively embedded into everyday practice.
This includes:
• Clear policies and procedures
• Strong recruitment and screening practices
• Regular training for staff and volunteers
• Accessible and trusted reporting pathways
• Organisational cultures where concerns are taken seriously
• Timely and appropriate responses to concerns raised
Understanding that abuse most often occurs within relationships of trust, familiarity and access, is critical to preventing harm. Organisations that recognise this are better equipped to create safer environments where children feel heard, respected and supported.
References
1. Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS), (2023)
2. National Office for Child Safety – Who perpetrates child sexual abuse?
3.Australian Institute of Health and Welfare- Child sexual Abuse
4. Australian Institute of Criminology – Child maltreatment and criminal justice system involvement in Australia
5. Mathews, B. et al. (2024). Child sexual abuse by different classes and types of perpetrator: Prevalence and trends from an Australian national survey. Child Abuse & Neglect, 147, 106562.
Sentara Consulting provides this information for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent advice tailored to your particular circumstances.
