Reporting child sexual abuse in Queensland
If you believe your child is in immediate danger or a life-threatening situation, call emergency services on triple zero – 000.
Under Queensland law, all adults must report to police any reasonable belief or suspicion that a child is being sexually abused.
Since 5 July 2021, it is a criminal offence for an adult to fail to report sexual offending against a child by another adult to police. This means all adults have the responsibility to report sexual offences against children to police—unless they have a reasonable excuse not to.
Sexual offending against a child includes making child exploitation material. Child exploitation material refers to any material (including images, videos, or digital material) likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult that describes or depicts a person who is, or apparently is, a child under 16 years in a sexual context, including engaging in a sexual activity, in an offensive or demeaning context, or being subjected to abuse, cruelty or torture.
If the reportable conduct you wish to report relates to child exploitation material, you must consider your obligations to report to police. Do not attach images to your report as this constitutes a criminal offence. Seek advice from police about what to do with child exploitation material.
How to report an offence
- to report an offence, contact Policelink on 131 444
- if it’s an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000)
- if you’re not sure whether you need to make a report, you can find out where you can get help and advice
- if you may wish to get legal advice
- if you're unsure of your reporting obligations at work, talk to your manager or the human resources contacts at your organisation
- find other options for reporting child abuse.
You can find more information on the Queensland Government's website.