Why are we doing this research?
The aim of this project is to inform the development of primary and secondary prevention efforts through a rigorous analysis of the prevalence and attitudinal, behavioural and demographic correlates of Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE) offending amongst Australian men.
The largest study of its kind ever undertaken globally, Identifying and understanding child sexual offending behaviour and attitudes among Australian men, measured the prevalence of risk behaviours and attitudes regarding child sexual offending among a representative sample of 1,945 Australian men aged 18 to over 65.
The report provides a new approach for measuring and tracking this issue and includes information that can bolster the service responses and attitudinal changes that help keep children safe from harm.
Please read the research project FAQ document for more information on research design and methodology.
Report
Download the report here.
Media
- 1 in 6 Australian men reports sexual feelings towards children. Here's what experts say must happen. Mamamia, 3 December 2023.
- What we know about child sex offenders in Australia. The Daily Aus (podcast), 28 November 2023.
- Online sexual exploitation of children is a growing trend, experts say. News.com.au, 25 November 2023.
- What I learned from our child sexual abuse survey: ‘rational paranoia’ can help parents protect their kids. Guardian Australia, 25 November 2023.
- A survey found 1 in 6 men admit sexual feelings for children. So is paedophilia increasing? The Conversation, 24 November 2023.
- UNSW survey of 2,000 Australian men makes child sexual abuse findings. The Daily Aus, 23 November 2023.
- Shocking survey reveals how many men would abuse child if ‘no one found out’. The Independent (UK). 22 November 2023.
- Study finds one in 10 men has sexually offended against children. ABC RN Breakfast, 21 November 2023.
- Disturbing study finds almost one in six Australian men admit sexual feelings towards children. 7News, 21 November 2023.
- Shocking report into sexually abusive behaviours in men shows need for safeguarding. The Sector, 21 November 2023.
- The shocking number of Australian men sexually attracted to children and teens. The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 November 2023.
- Child sexual abuse study finds 9.4% of Australian men report having offended against a child. Guardian Australia, 20 November 2023.
- One in six Australian men have sexual feelings towards children and teens, new report finds. Nine News, 20 November 2023.
- Study reveals one in 10 Aussie men has sexually offended against children and one in six has sexual feelings. The West Australian, 20 November 2023.
- Disturbing number of Australian men attracted to children, according to new report. News.com.au, 20 November 2023.
- Horrifying Study Finds One In Ten Australian Men Report Having Sexual Contact With Under 18s. Pedestrian, 20 November 2023.
- Grim study reveals number of Aussie men who have sexual feelings towards children and teens. Daily Mail, 20 November 2023.
- One in 10 Australian men has sexually offended against children. Women's Agenda, 20 November 2023.
- World's largest child sexual abuse perpetration prevalence study recommends significant investment in early intervention measures. Media release, 20 November 2023.
How is this project funded?
This two-year research project is funded by Westpac as part of their Safer Children, Safer Communities grant scheme.
Who is the research team?
Professor Michael Salter, UNSW Sydney
Professor Justine Nolan, UNSW Sydney
Dr Delanie Woodlock, Monash University
Dr Tyson Whitten, Charles Sturt University
Dr Noam Peleg, UNSW Sydney
Matt Tyler, Jesuit Social Services
Georgia Naldrett, Jesuit Social Services
Professor Jan Breckenridge, UNSW Sydney
For more information about this project, please contact Project Manager Lily Halliday: lily.halliday@unsw.edu.au