Study reveals one in ten Australian men has had sexual incident with minors

In a revelation that challenges preconceptions about the prevalence of child sexual abuse, a groundbreaking study conducted by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has exposed alarming statistics.

The study, titled “Identifying and understanding child sexual offending behavior and attitudes among Australian men,” surveyed 1,945 men, revealing that 9.4% admitted to engaging in sexual contact with individuals under the age of 18.

Described as the largest study of its kind globally, the findings shed light on a hidden crisis, prompting urgent questions about societal responsibility and the need for enhanced measures to address child sexual abuse.

Even more concerning, 3.2% of men reported having sexual contact with a minor when they were over 18. While the age of consent in Australia is 16 or 17, varying by state, the researchers acknowledged this limitation but argued that their findings align with global studies.

Michael Salter, an associate professor at UNSW, emphasized the glaring question: with numerous victims and lives impacted by child sexual abuse, why are so few men imprisoned for this offense?

The report uncovered that nearly one in six men (15.1%) admitted to having sexual feelings towards those under 18. It also exposed two distinct groups of child sex offenders: those motivated by a sexual interest in children and a second group offending for situational or opportunistic reasons.

Of significant concern are the “specialist” offenders – pro-social, high-status men who repeatedly groom and abuse children without detection. These individuals, often well-liked and with higher incomes, are a hidden threat.

Salter urged governments and social media providers to take more action to unveil their offenses, highlighting the urgent need for age verification for adult content online.