What I learned from our child sexual abuse survey: ‘rational paranoia’ can help parents protect their kids | Michael Salter
What I learned from our child sexual abuse survey: ‘rational paranoia’ can help parents protect their kids The Guardian
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The Alarming Findings of the Largest Child Sexual Abuse Perpetration Survey in Australia
Introduction
This report presents the findings of the largest, nationally representative child sexual abuse perpetration survey ever conducted in Australia or globally. The survey anonymously surveyed nearly 2,000 Australian men about their sexual feelings and behaviors towards children. The results of this study have sent shock waves around Australia and the world.
Men Who Abuse Children
We discovered that men who abuse children often appear to be doing well superficially. They are frequently married, have good incomes, strong friendships, and family networks. What is even more concerning is that men who abuse children are more likely to work with children compared to those who do not. This finding poses a challenge as we do not want to stigmatize men in child-focused careers, but we also need to prioritize the safety of children.
Child Protection and Rational Paranoia
Child protection can often feel like grappling with smoke, as we try to address existing threats that are not always clearly identifiable. This challenge requires a balance between managing risk without going overboard. It is crucial to maintain vigilance and ensure appropriate policies and safeguarding measures are in place, especially when individuals working with children offer one-on-one sessions or tutoring.
Online Safety and the Absence of Safeguards
The internet is currently a significant platform for child abuse, with three-quarters of the abuse perpetration documented in our survey occurring online. Children are being targeted by online services and products with minimal protections, and child abusers exploit the loopholes in these systems. It is essential to educate children about the reality of the online environment, emphasizing the absence of safeguards that we typically expect in other contexts.
Building Trusting Relationships with Children
While it is natural for parents to want to protect their children by closely monitoring their activities, excessive control can damage the parent-child relationship and lead to secrecy. Instead, we need to actively build trusting and open relationships with children, ensuring they know we are on their side. This requires adults to challenge their attitudes and prejudices, creating an environment where children feel safe to speak up if something goes wrong.
The Impact of Betrayal Trauma
Abused children are often blamed, shamed, silenced, or ignored, leading to what is known as “betrayal trauma.” However, when families respond with care and protection, these children have a better chance of recovery. Love plays a crucial role in both preventing abuse and healing its effects on children. It is the most valuable resource we can offer them.
Conclusion
This report highlights the urgent need for action to address child sexual abuse and protect vulnerable children. By prioritizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, we can work towards creating a safer world for children. It is essential to collaborate across sectors and implement comprehensive strategies that prioritize child safety and well-being.
- Dr Michael Salter is the Professor of Criminology at the School of Social Sciences at UNSW and an expert in child sexual exploitation and gendered violence
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