In-house research

The Australian child sexual abuse attitudes, knowledge and response study

Community awareness

Background and Aim

The Australian child sexual abuse attitudes, knowledge and response study is the first national study of its kind in Australia. Conducted over multiple waves, it provides national evidence about community attitudes, knowledge and responses to child sexual abuse, harmful sexual behaviours (HSB) and the needs of victims-survivors.

The findings help inform prevention, education, policy and services and identify opportunities to strengthen Australia’s response to child sexual abuse.

The study aims to:

Understand what Australians know and believe about child sexual abuse.
Understand how Australians may respond when concerns about child sexual abuse arise.
Explore attitudes towards victims and survivors.
Examine community understanding of harmful sexual behaviours.
Monitor important trends over time.
Provide evidence to support prevention efforts, public education, policy and services.
Identify areas where Australians may need more information, support or guidance.

Methods

This study is conducted in multiple waves to monitor key trends in community attitudes, knowledge and response over time

Wave 1 (completed in 2023): Baseline national population survey (n=4,055).
Wave 2 (currently out in the field): Incorporates new and revised measures to support policy and prevention efforts. Results are expected to be released in early 2027

The National Centre uses the findings to identify emerging issues, inform policy and prevention priorities, and support efforts to strengthen Australia’s response to child sexual abuse.