Emerging Risks: Increasing Prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse by Women

Safeguarding children requires constant vigilance and adaptability, especially as emerging risks challenge long-held assumptions. One such evolving concern is the rising prevalence of child sexual abuse perpetrated by women. Historically underreported and misunderstood, this issue is gaining recognition in line with a new research, prompting a necessary awareness shift and resulting safeguarding conversations.

Recognising Reality

Child sexual abuse by women has often been overlooked due to societal biases that perceive women as inherently nurturing or incapable of abuse. However, as cases come to light, it is clear that safeguarding policies must evolve to reflect this reality. The Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) 2023–24 Annual Report stresses the importance of comprehensive risk assessments and inclusive safeguarding strategies that leave no gap in protection.

The ABS (Australian Bureau of Statics) has shown a significant increase in sexual offences by women in Australia since the 2000s.

This emerging trend impacts sectors where adults work closely with children, including education, community services, and recreation. Addressing this requires confronting stereotypes and ensuring that all forms of harm, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator, are identified and prevented.

Strengthening Safeguarding Frameworks

To address, this challenge, safeguarding practices must become robust and inclusive for all appropriate

1. Improved Training and Awareness: Professionals across these sectors need training to recognise less conventional abuse patters where possible. This includes understanding the behaviours associated with female perpetrators and being equipped to intervene effectively.
2. Rigorous Screening and Compliance: Ensuring organisations are meeting their compliance and safeguarding obligations is crucial for creating a safeguarding culture. There are many automation tools to support regulations, like verifying Working with Children Checks and conducting crucial reference checks.
3. Proactive Support for Victims: Support Services must be accessible to all victims, regardless of circumstances or identities of their abusers. Closing gaps in support systems is crucial for addressing emerging risks effectively.
4. Strong Policies and Procedures: Safeguarding policies must provide a comprehensive framework and guidelines for organisations to engage with. Reporting and incident management forms a crucial piece of this puzzle to effectively respond to events.

A collaborative Response

Protecting children from harm requires a collective effort across industries and communities. By enhancing training, leveraging technology, and maintaining safeguarding frameworks organisations can adapt to emerging risks like the rise in abuse by women.

At Oho, we support organisations in building safer environments through comprehensive compliance and verification solutions. Together, we can ensure safeguarding practices remain effective in protecting vulnerable populations.

For more information on safeguarding strategies and tools, learn about Oho.