We need to act now
to combat the global pandemic of child sexual abuse.

In an ideal world, childhood sexual abuse would not occur, as no one would engage in such acts or view images or videos of abuse. While complete prevention may be challenging, there is hope. By offering accessible, affordable, and high-quality therapy to individuals at risk, we can make meaningful strides in reducing harm and creating a safer environment for children.

Institutions and online platforms are risky environments for childhood sexual abuse. Settings such as religious organisations, out-of-home care, childcare, social media, and gaming sites are particularly vulnerable. ACT offers collaboration with these high-risk settings to develop creative and ethical strategies to prevent the use of abusive materials and the exploitation of children. The goal is for more individuals to be redirected to appropriate services, harmful behaviour to decrease, and victims spared from harm.

There is a need to expand therapeutic measures for victims of sexual traumatisation. Sexual victimisation in childhood is associated with increased susceptibility to stress and a greater likelihood of developing mental or psychosomatic illnesses, as well as an increase in the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We work to reduce the barriers for victims and survivors to access specialised services. When childhood sexual trauma has occurred, all victims and survivors should have access to low-barrier, low-cost, accessible and anonymous specialised services.