Latest news with #MichaelSalter
The Guardian
01-07-2025
- The Guardian
Calls grow for national childcare inquiry after Melbourne worker charged with sexual abuse offences
There are growing calls for a national inquiry into Australia's childcare sector after a Victorian worker was charged with dozens of child sexual abuse offences. Victoria police on Tuesday announced Point Cook resident Joshua Brown, 26, had been charged with more than 70 offences relating to eight alleged victims aged between five months and two years. More than 1,200 children will now be tested for infectious diseases after the charges were made public. While Brown is yet to enter a plea and the allegations are yet to be tested by the courts, parent advocacy groups, politicians and the child protection organisation Bravehearts have called for a national review of child protection protocols and more rigorous screening, monitoring and reporting systems. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email The director of Childlight UNSW, Prof Michael Salter, said: 'Systematically, in Australia, we have real challenges around investigating and prosecuting the sexual abuse of very young children. I think this is a particularly vulnerable group of victims of sexual violence.' Salter said there was a lack of regulation in the industry. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion 'There's no question that regulation is a huge issue here,' he said. 'It includes not just the enforcement of quality standards, but making sure that there's always a certain number of staff in a childcare centre and breaches of standards are taken seriously. 'We need a national inquiry into child maltreatment in childcare. We need a targeted, focused inquiry to make sure children are getting the care they deserve.' Appearing on ABC on Tuesday afternoon, the national children's commissioner, Anne Hollonds, accused the system of having 'absolutely' failed families. 'These are issues and risks that we've known about for a long time … Child safety and wellbeing is not a priority in this country.' The Greens are also calling for a royal commission into safety and equality in the early childhood education system, while Liberal senator Jonno Duniam called on the government to 'urgently review Australia's child safety safeguards – including those under the national quality framework'.
The Advertiser
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
LGBTQI people carrying burden of sexual violence: study
Violence intervention, prevention and support services are being urged to be alert to the specific needs and experiences of LGBTQI people following a landmark study on the impact of sexual violence. Almost 3200 LGBTQI people participated in the national survey on experiences of sexual violence, making it the largest of its kind in Australia and internationally. Most of those who took part were cisgender women (41.1 per cent) followed by cisgender men (30.9 per cent) and people who identified as non-binary (18 per cent). More than 400 respondents identified themselves as First Nations Australians. The study found unwanted sexual requests or comments were common (74.1 per cent), with cisgender men reporting the lowest rates. Transgender women and men were more likely to report being targeted due to their gender or sexuality. More than half of those surveyed said they had experienced sexual violence in childhood and adulthood. The majority of people who disclosed said the experience had been before they were 18 or more than five years ago. The findings suggested many LGBTQI people were carrying a significant burden of sexual violence, often for a long time, lead investigator Michael Salter said. "This is important from a service provision point of view … people have been carrying something with them for a long time and need sensitivity to that," he said. There were also elevated incidents in the previous 12 months among cisgender men and transgender women surveyed. "This suggests people who engage sexually with cisgender men in their adult life are more at risk of sexual violence," Professor Salter said. Fewer than 40 per cent of cisgender men disclosed their experiences of sexual violence. However, those who did were most satisfied with the response compared to other members of the LGBTQI community. The survey also highlighted the proactive stance of most LGBTQI people in intervening in situations of sexual risk and danger to others. This strongly suggested that community norms were a pivotal resource to include in future sexual violence prevention efforts. The survey indicated policymakers needed to do more to ensure that sexual violence intervention and prevention measures acknowledged people were part of the LGBTQI community, Prof Salter said. "We also need to hold space for young people figuring out their gender identity and sexual orientation," he said. "We currently don't do enough for kids who experience sexual violence if we don't support them therapeutically and they accumulate compounding traumas." Lifeline 13 11 14 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Violence intervention, prevention and support services are being urged to be alert to the specific needs and experiences of LGBTQI people following a landmark study on the impact of sexual violence. Almost 3200 LGBTQI people participated in the national survey on experiences of sexual violence, making it the largest of its kind in Australia and internationally. Most of those who took part were cisgender women (41.1 per cent) followed by cisgender men (30.9 per cent) and people who identified as non-binary (18 per cent). More than 400 respondents identified themselves as First Nations Australians. The study found unwanted sexual requests or comments were common (74.1 per cent), with cisgender men reporting the lowest rates. Transgender women and men were more likely to report being targeted due to their gender or sexuality. More than half of those surveyed said they had experienced sexual violence in childhood and adulthood. The majority of people who disclosed said the experience had been before they were 18 or more than five years ago. The findings suggested many LGBTQI people were carrying a significant burden of sexual violence, often for a long time, lead investigator Michael Salter said. "This is important from a service provision point of view … people have been carrying something with them for a long time and need sensitivity to that," he said. There were also elevated incidents in the previous 12 months among cisgender men and transgender women surveyed. "This suggests people who engage sexually with cisgender men in their adult life are more at risk of sexual violence," Professor Salter said. Fewer than 40 per cent of cisgender men disclosed their experiences of sexual violence. However, those who did were most satisfied with the response compared to other members of the LGBTQI community. The survey also highlighted the proactive stance of most LGBTQI people in intervening in situations of sexual risk and danger to others. This strongly suggested that community norms were a pivotal resource to include in future sexual violence prevention efforts. The survey indicated policymakers needed to do more to ensure that sexual violence intervention and prevention measures acknowledged people were part of the LGBTQI community, Prof Salter said. "We also need to hold space for young people figuring out their gender identity and sexual orientation," he said. "We currently don't do enough for kids who experience sexual violence if we don't support them therapeutically and they accumulate compounding traumas." Lifeline 13 11 14 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Violence intervention, prevention and support services are being urged to be alert to the specific needs and experiences of LGBTQI people following a landmark study on the impact of sexual violence. Almost 3200 LGBTQI people participated in the national survey on experiences of sexual violence, making it the largest of its kind in Australia and internationally. Most of those who took part were cisgender women (41.1 per cent) followed by cisgender men (30.9 per cent) and people who identified as non-binary (18 per cent). More than 400 respondents identified themselves as First Nations Australians. The study found unwanted sexual requests or comments were common (74.1 per cent), with cisgender men reporting the lowest rates. Transgender women and men were more likely to report being targeted due to their gender or sexuality. More than half of those surveyed said they had experienced sexual violence in childhood and adulthood. The majority of people who disclosed said the experience had been before they were 18 or more than five years ago. The findings suggested many LGBTQI people were carrying a significant burden of sexual violence, often for a long time, lead investigator Michael Salter said. "This is important from a service provision point of view … people have been carrying something with them for a long time and need sensitivity to that," he said. There were also elevated incidents in the previous 12 months among cisgender men and transgender women surveyed. "This suggests people who engage sexually with cisgender men in their adult life are more at risk of sexual violence," Professor Salter said. Fewer than 40 per cent of cisgender men disclosed their experiences of sexual violence. However, those who did were most satisfied with the response compared to other members of the LGBTQI community. The survey also highlighted the proactive stance of most LGBTQI people in intervening in situations of sexual risk and danger to others. This strongly suggested that community norms were a pivotal resource to include in future sexual violence prevention efforts. The survey indicated policymakers needed to do more to ensure that sexual violence intervention and prevention measures acknowledged people were part of the LGBTQI community, Prof Salter said. "We also need to hold space for young people figuring out their gender identity and sexual orientation," he said. "We currently don't do enough for kids who experience sexual violence if we don't support them therapeutically and they accumulate compounding traumas." Lifeline 13 11 14 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Violence intervention, prevention and support services are being urged to be alert to the specific needs and experiences of LGBTQI people following a landmark study on the impact of sexual violence. Almost 3200 LGBTQI people participated in the national survey on experiences of sexual violence, making it the largest of its kind in Australia and internationally. Most of those who took part were cisgender women (41.1 per cent) followed by cisgender men (30.9 per cent) and people who identified as non-binary (18 per cent). More than 400 respondents identified themselves as First Nations Australians. The study found unwanted sexual requests or comments were common (74.1 per cent), with cisgender men reporting the lowest rates. Transgender women and men were more likely to report being targeted due to their gender or sexuality. More than half of those surveyed said they had experienced sexual violence in childhood and adulthood. The majority of people who disclosed said the experience had been before they were 18 or more than five years ago. The findings suggested many LGBTQI people were carrying a significant burden of sexual violence, often for a long time, lead investigator Michael Salter said. "This is important from a service provision point of view … people have been carrying something with them for a long time and need sensitivity to that," he said. There were also elevated incidents in the previous 12 months among cisgender men and transgender women surveyed. "This suggests people who engage sexually with cisgender men in their adult life are more at risk of sexual violence," Professor Salter said. Fewer than 40 per cent of cisgender men disclosed their experiences of sexual violence. However, those who did were most satisfied with the response compared to other members of the LGBTQI community. The survey also highlighted the proactive stance of most LGBTQI people in intervening in situations of sexual risk and danger to others. This strongly suggested that community norms were a pivotal resource to include in future sexual violence prevention efforts. The survey indicated policymakers needed to do more to ensure that sexual violence intervention and prevention measures acknowledged people were part of the LGBTQI community, Prof Salter said. "We also need to hold space for young people figuring out their gender identity and sexual orientation," he said. "We currently don't do enough for kids who experience sexual violence if we don't support them therapeutically and they accumulate compounding traumas." Lifeline 13 11 14 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Perth Now
16-06-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
LGBTQI people carrying burden of sexual violence: study
Violence intervention, prevention and support services are being urged to be alert to the specific needs and experiences of LGBTQI people following a landmark study on the impact of sexual violence. Almost 3200 LGBTQI people participated in the national survey on experiences of sexual violence, making it the largest of its kind in Australia and internationally. Most of those who took part were cisgender women (41.1 per cent) followed by cisgender men (30.9 per cent) and people who identified as non-binary (18 per cent). More than 400 respondents identified themselves as First Nations Australians. The study found unwanted sexual requests or comments were common (74.1 per cent), with cisgender men reporting the lowest rates. Transgender women and men were more likely to report being targeted due to their gender or sexuality. More than half of those surveyed said they had experienced sexual violence in childhood and adulthood. The majority of people who disclosed said the experience had been before they were 18 or more than five years ago. The findings suggested many LGBTQI people were carrying a significant burden of sexual violence, often for a long time, lead investigator Michael Salter said. "This is important from a service provision point of view … people have been carrying something with them for a long time and need sensitivity to that," he said. There were also elevated incidents in the previous 12 months among cisgender men and transgender women surveyed. "This suggests people who engage sexually with cisgender men in their adult life are more at risk of sexual violence," Professor Salter said. Fewer than 40 per cent of cisgender men disclosed their experiences of sexual violence. However, those who did were most satisfied with the response compared to other members of the LGBTQI community. The survey also highlighted the proactive stance of most LGBTQI people in intervening in situations of sexual risk and danger to others. This strongly suggested that community norms were a pivotal resource to include in future sexual violence prevention efforts. The survey indicated policymakers needed to do more to ensure that sexual violence intervention and prevention measures acknowledged people were part of the LGBTQI community, Prof Salter said. "We also need to hold space for young people figuring out their gender identity and sexual orientation," he said. "We currently don't do enough for kids who experience sexual violence if we don't support them therapeutically and they accumulate compounding traumas." Lifeline 13 11 14 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Associated Press
09-04-2025
- Associated Press
When dating apps turn dangerous
EDINBURGH, United Kingdom, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Women looking for love online are being warned of a sinister side to dating apps, with new evidence that abusers may try to groom them to gain access to their children. Research by Childlight Global Child Safety Institute finds men who sexually offend against children are nearly four times more likely to use dating sites than non-offenders. The unit, hosted by the University of Edinburgh and University of New South Wales, found nearly two thirds (66%) of men who sexually offended against children used dating platforms – and over one in five (22%) used them daily. The report is part of a broader investigation into the multi-billion-dollar industry of child sexual exploitation and abuse, which financially benefits perpetrators, organised crime and even mainstream companies. While Childlight warns that sexual exploitation and abuse of children has become a pandemic, affecting over 300 million every year, it says education, legislation and technological measures can help prevent it. Its findings, based on a survey of about 5,000 men in Australia, the UK and US, represent the latest evidence of the risk of dating site misuse by people who sexually offend against children. It follows a separate recent survey by the Australian Institute of Criminology that found 12% of dating apps users received requests to facilitate child sexual exploitation and abuse – often related to their own children. Recent high-profile cases include Scottish lorry driver Paul Stewart who manipulated single mothers via dating apps to gain access to their children for sexual abuse. He was jailed for over three years last December. Around 381 million people use dating apps like Tinder, according to Statista. Report co-author Professor Michael Salter, director of the Childlight East Asia and Pacific Hub at UNSW, said: 'Our findings provide clear evidence that dating apps lack adequate child protection measures, and loopholes are exploited by abusers to target single parents and their children.' The survey of 5,000 men found 11.5% admitted having sexual feelings towards children, while 11% confessed to sexual offences against minors. Most dating sites do not require new users to provide evidence of their identity. Salter recommends user verification processes, like mandatory ID checks, and tools to detect predatory behaviours like grooming language or suspicious messaging patterns. Childlight's research also reveals that mainstream companies profit from and perpetuate the global trade in technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse of children (CSEA). They include payment transfer firms and social media platforms where illegal child sexual abuse images are present and where abuse-related traffic can increase advertising revenues. Debi Fry, Childlight's Global Director of Data and Professor of International Child Protection Research at University of Edinburgh, said: 'Child sexual exploitation and abuse is a global public health emergency that requires emergency measures but it's preventable. We must mobilise globally, focusing not just on reactive law enforcement but on prevention strategies tackling underlying determinants of abuse — including financial and technological ecosystems sustaining it.'
The Independent
09-04-2025
- The Independent
Paedophiles may be targeting parents on dating apps to access children
Paedophiles may be trying to gain access to children through their parents' dating apps, researchers have warned. A report co-led by the University of Edinburgh found men who have sexually offended against children use dating apps daily, leading to calls for stronger regulation of apps used by 381 million people according to Statista. Research by the Childligh t Global Child Safety Institute, hosted by the University of Edinburgh, found men who sexually abuse children are nearly four times more likely to use dating sites than non-offenders. The unit found 66% of men who have sexually offended against children use dating platforms – and more than 22% use them daily. The report, called Swipe Wrong, is part of a broader investigation into the multibillion-dollar industry of child sexual exploitation and abuse, which financially benefits perpetrators, organised crime and, according to researchers, mainstream companies. It warned sexual exploitation and abuse of children has become a pandemic, impacting more than 300 million every year. Research based on a survey of about 5,000 men in the UK, US and Australia showed single mothers are at particular risk, while 11.5% of men surveyed admitted having sexual feelings towards children and 11% confessed to sexual offences against minors. It followed a separate survey by the Australian Institute of Criminology that found 12% of dating app users received requests to facilitate child sexual exploitation and abuse – most often related to their own children. Most dating sites do not require new users to provide evidence of their identity, and the report shared new insights into perpetrator behaviour online. It found offenders may appear trustworthy, as they are more likely to have a child in their house, work with children, and have a higher education level. The report also found men who have committed sexual offences against children engage more frequently in certain online activities, like online shopping, dating and gaming, and are also more likely to own and use cryptocurrency and to buy sexual content online. Report co-author Professor Michael Salter, director of the Childlight East Asia and Pacific Hub at the University of New South Wales, said: 'Our findings provide clear evidence that dating apps lack adequate child protection measures, and loopholes are exploited by abusers to target single parents and their children. 'There's no reason why the robust user identification methods we have in other industries, such as banking and gambling, should not also have to be adopted by dating app platforms. 'Similarly, there are a range of AI tools and systems that can flag problematic words and conversations that can and should be used.' Professor Deborah Fry, Childlight's global director of data and professor of international child protection research at the University of Edinburgh, said: 'Child sexual exploitation and abuse is a global public health emergency that requires emergency measures – but it's preventable. 'We must mobilise globally, focusing not just on reactive law enforcement but on prevention strategies tackling underlying determinants of abuse – including financial and technological ecosystems sustaining it.'
