New Service Aims to Prevent Child Abuse
Australia now has its first federally funded national service to prevent child sexual abuse, launched by Stop It Now! Australia and operated by Jesuit Social Services. As part of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse, this initiative aims to address a critical social issue.
Providing a free and anonymous phone helpline, the service includes online resources for adults worried about their or others’ thoughts and behaviors towards children. Building on a pilot programme from 2022, it offers much-needed support.
“Child sexual abuse is a confronting topic, but it is something we cannot shy away from if we want to prevent harm from occurring,” stated Georgia Naldrett, General Manager of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention at Jesuit Social Services.
Collaboration with victim-survivor advocates, law enforcement, and academics has been crucial in developing the programme over nearly a decade. Philanthropic grants from organisations like Westpac supported the pilot program, highlighting its necessity.
“Stop it Now fills a critical gap in our protection landscape by offering a safe pathway for individuals to seek help voluntarily, reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in our communities,” said Alison Geale, CEO of Bravehearts.
Expanding its reach with longer operating hours, the service aims to support more individuals. Over 750 calls and live chats were recorded in the pilot’s initial years, underscoring the need for such a resource.
Recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse are realized through this initiative, backed by dedicated federal investment. One in three girls and one in five boys in Australia have been victims of child sexual abuse, according to the Royal Commission. This statistic heightens the urgency for evidence-based prevention approaches.
Jesuit Social Services has worked with various stakeholders, including technology companies, to enhance national child sexual abuse prevention efforts. Their pilot programme experience, supported by independent evaluation, highlights the effectiveness of early intervention.
Nine years ago, the Royal Commission’s final report underscored the need for a service like Stop It Now! The new national service meets this need with expanded hours, assisting more individuals in identifying risks and making positive changes.
Last updated: 13 April 2026, 10:18 am
