Study finds sharp rise in sexual, family violence against children in Australia
New research finds sharp increases in sexual and family violence against children in Australia since the pandemic, confounding expectations that rates would fall.
What happened
A new study has found that sexual and family violence against children in Australia has risen sharply since the Covid-19 pandemic, a trend researchers did not expect given declines reported elsewhere.1
The Guardian reports that police-recorded sexual assaults on boys rose 15.7%, a finding researchers say surprised them.1
Anadolu Agency reports that police-recorded sexual assault rates among boys aged 10 to 17 surged after 2021.2
ABC News reports the research, conducted by the University of Sydney, describes violence against children in Australia as having reached a 'crisis point'.3
Key points
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed the full methodology of the study or the complete dataset beyond the figures cited.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported a response from the Australian government or child protection authorities.
Why it matters
The findings come from research led by the University of Sydney into trends in family and sexual violence against children in Australia.3
What to watch
- Further details from the University of Sydney research on contributing factors and proposed prevention measures.
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Europe
Middle East & Turkey
- 2Anadolu AgencyTRState-controlled
Sexual, domestic violence against children rises sharply in Australia: Study
Oceania
- 3ABC News (Australia)AUPublic broadcaster
Sexual and family violence against children at 'crisis point', study finds