What is child sexual abuse?

Children can be sexually abused by adults or by other children who are in a position of power or authority over the child. It can be perpetrated in person, via phone or online. Child sexual abuse includes but is not limited to:

  • kissing, holding or fondling a child in a sexual way
  • exposing genitals to a child
  • talking in a sexual way that's not appropriate for the child's age
  • making obscene phone calls, text messages or remarks
  • persistently intruding on a child's privacy
  • penetrating a child's vagina or anus by penis, finger or other object
  • showing pornographic videos or images to a child
  • having a child pose or behave in a sexual way
  • forcing a child or young person to watch a sexual act
  • coercing a child or young person to perform a sexual act on themselves, another child, or with an adult
  • oral sex
  • rape / statutory rape (having sex with a child under 16 years of age)
  • incest
  • child prostitution.

Support is available

If you believe a child may be experiencing abuse or if you’re unsure and would like advice and support, help is available.

Need to make a report?

If you’re concerned for a child’s safety, there are many ways to make a report.

Urgent contacts

In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000).

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

If you have reason to suspect a child is experiencing, or is at risk of, sexual abuse, find out how to report child abuse.

From 5 July 2021, it is an offence for any adult not to report sexual offending against a child by another adult to police, unless there is a reasonable reason not to.

For general advice phone Child Safety Services on:
- 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
- 1800 177 135 (free call).