Sexual abuse is an incredibly serious issue. It affects children, teenagers, adults, and families. And unfortunately, it happens across every part of Queensland – in homes, schools, institutions, and even online.
This guide has one clear goal: to help people understand what sexual abuse is, how to recognise it, and what to do if they or someone they care about is affected. We’ll also break down Queensland’s laws and show you exactly how and where to report abuse.
This topic is heavy. If you’re reading this for personal reasons, know this — you’re not alone. Help is available.
For confidential legal advice and support, reach out to our Queensland family lawyers at VM Family Law. Call 07 3447 8966 to speak with someone who understands and can guide you through your next steps with care and experience.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse refers to any sexual activity that a person does not agree to or is not able to consent to. This can involve clear force, but it also includes situations where someone is manipulated, pressured, or taken advantage of, especially when they’re vulnerable.
It covers a wide range of behaviours, including child sexual abuse, coercion, grooming, and acts of sexual assault.
Common Examples:
- An adult engaging in sexual activity with a child
- Someone being pressured, threatened, or manipulated into sexual acts
- Sexual touching without consent
- Taking or sharing child exploitation material
Consent must be freely given, not forced, manipulated, or taken from someone unable to say yes (like a child or someone unconscious). In Queensland, a child under 16 cannot legally consent to sexual activity.
Sexual assault is a legal term that covers any physical sexual act carried out without a person’s consent. Sexual harassment, on the other hand, involves unwelcome sexual comments, gestures, or advances, even if there’s no physical contact.
Anyone can be affected by this kind of abuse: children, women, men, and people in the LGBTQ+ community. It can come from someone close, like a partner, family member, teacher, or friend, or from someone the person doesn’t know at all.
Is Sexual Abuse a Crime in Queensland?
Yes, sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence under Queensland law. It doesn’t matter how long ago it happened or who the offender is; if a person commits or enables sexual abuse, they can be prosecuted.
Queensland takes a firm, zero-tolerance approach to sexual offending, especially when children are involved. The laws are designed to protect victims, punish offenders, and prevent future harm.
Key Queensland Legislation on Sexual Abuse
Before we look at penalties, it’s important to understand what laws apply. These are the key pieces of legislation that govern sexual abuse offences in Queensland:
1. Criminal Code Act 1899 (QLD)
This is the main criminal law in Queensland. It defines offences such as rape, sexual assault, and indecent treatment of children, and sets out penalties.
2. Child Protection Act 1999 (QLD)
This law focuses on keeping children safe. It outlines the responsibilities of Child Safety Services and sets processes for investigating and responding to child abuse reports.
3. Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 (QLD)
Requires certain convicted sex offenders to register with police and regularly update their information, to help monitor risks to the community.
Penalties for Sexual Abuse Offences
In Queensland, sexual offences are treated as very serious crimes. The penalties reflect the severity of the harm caused and are designed to deter offenders and protect the public.
Here are examples of maximum penalties for some key offences:
- Rape – Up to life imprisonment
- Sexual assault – Up to 10 years’ imprisonment (or 14 years if the offender is armed or in company)
- Indecent treatment of a child under 16 – Up to 20 years
- Using the internet to procure a child under 16 – Up to 14 years
- Possession of child exploitation material – Up to 14 years
- Maintaining a sexual relationship with a child – Up to life imprisonment
All sexual abuse charges are handled by the Queensland Police and prosecuted through the Queensland Courts. Convicted offenders may also be placed on the Child Protection Offender Register, restricting their contact with children.
Talk to VM Family Law
Facing a legal issue involving sexual abuse or child protection in Queensland? Our family lawyers support clients across Ipswich, Greater Brisbane, and throughout Queensland with experienced and compassionate guidance during these challenging times. Call 07 3447 8966 or visit our website vmfamilylaw.com.au.
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse isn’t always obvious, especially when the person affected is a child. Many victims feel too scared, confused, or ashamed to speak up. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for.
Subtle changes in behaviour or unexplained injuries might be signs that something isn’t right. Here are some of the things you need to look out for:
Physical Signs
- Bruising, bleeding, or pain in genital or anal areas
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Unexplained STIs or pregnancy, especially in children
- Frequent urinary or genital infections
- Torn, stained, or bloody clothing
Emotional or Behavioural Signs
- Sudden fearfulness, anxiety, or panic attacks
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour
- Bedwetting or nightmares (especially in younger children)
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Aggression, self-harm, or depression
- Sudden drop in school performance or refusal to attend
These signs don’t always mean abuse is happening, but if you notice them, especially more than one, it’s important to take your concerns seriously and seek support or advice.
How to Report Sexual Abuse in Queensland
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, reporting the abuse quickly can protect lives. Even if you’re unsure, speaking up can stop ongoing harm, especially when children are involved.
Just remember: you don’t have to figure it out alone. There are dedicated services across Queensland ready to help.
Who to Contact
- Queensland Police
📞 Call 000 in an emergency or 131 444 for non-urgent matters
🌐 www.police.qld.gov.au - Child Safety Services (Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services)
📞 1800 177 135 (24/7 statewide)
🌐 https://www.dcssds.qld.gov.au/ - Crime Stoppers Queensland
📞 1800 333 000 (anonymous reports)
🌐 www.crimestoppersqld.com.au - 1800RESPECT – National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service
📞 1800 737 732 (24/7)
🌐 www.1800respect.org.au
These services are confidential and can support survivors, families, and professionals making reports.
Guide to Reporting Sexual Abuse
Reporting sexual abuse can feel overwhelming, but the process is there to protect you or the child involved. Knowing what to expect can help ease the fear and ensure your report is as clear and helpful as possible.
In many cases, our Queensland family lawyers can support you through the process, including communicating with authorities and protecting your legal rights.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Make Sure Everyone Is Safe: If someone is in immediate danger, call 000 right away.
- Contact the Right Service: Use the directory above to contact police or Child Safety. Or, click here for the link to Queensland police stations. If you’re unsure who to call, 1800RESPECT can guide you.
- Provide Key Information: Give details like the child’s or adult’s name, age, what happened, when and where it occurred, and who was involved. You don’t need proof — a reasonable suspicion is enough to report.
- Keep Notes: Write down everything you remember, even after the call. This can help in later investigations.
- Support the Survivor: Emotional support is critical. Consider connecting with a counsellor or a family lawyer to guide the next steps.
- Speak with a Family Lawyer: If you’re unsure about your obligations or the legal process, contact a Queensland-based family law firm like VM Family Law for advice tailored to your situation.
- Follow Up if Needed: If the situation worsens or new information comes up, contact authorities again.
You can also report anonymously via Crime Stoppers if you fear backlash or want to protect your identity.
What Happens After You Report Sexual Abuse?
In Queensland, reports of child abuse or sexual abuse — whether made by a concerned adult, medical practitioner, or other care professionals — are taken seriously. Authorities act quickly to protect the victim and assess any unacceptable risk to their safety.
If the victim is under 18 or a child in care, both Queensland Police and the Department of Child Safety may get involved. They’ll investigate, interview the child safely, and take steps to keep them from harm, including moving them to a safer environment if needed.
If there are clear offences against children, police may launch a criminal investigation. Anyone who reports in good faith is legally protected, but professionals who fail to act without a reasonable excuse could breach mandatory reporting laws.
Victims and families can access support for trauma recovery, sexual violence prevention, and domestic violence, including legal help, counselling, and emergency housing.
If you’re unsure what to do, speaking with a family lawyer in Queensland can help you understand your rights and what steps to take next.
Talk to VM Family Law – Family Lawyers in Queensland
Need legal advice about sexual abuse, child protection, or family law matters?
The compassionate and experienced family lawyers at VM Family Law proudly support individuals and families in Ipswich, Springfield, Greater Brisbane, and across Queensland, providing clear legal guidance when it matters most.
Call 07 3447 8966 today or visit www.vmfamilylaw.com.au to book your confidential and personalised consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When reporting sexual abuse, which of the following should you do?
You should report suspicions immediately to police, Family and Child Connect, or another relevant government or non-government agency. Provide clear, factual information and avoid questioning the victim. Leave the analysis of child statements to trained investigators and clinical care professionals.
What happens when sexual abuse is reported?
Once reported, the Queensland Government statutory bodies assess the situation to determine if there’s a real risk or unacceptable risk to the individual. This can involve police, the statutory child protection authority, and referrals to professional services like counselling or medical support.
What type of abuse should be reported?
All forms of abuse should be reported, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Anyone concerned about the abuse of children can contact Family and Child Connect or a family support service.
What is the definition of sexual assault in Queensland?
In Queensland, sexual assault is defined as any non-consensual sexual act involving physical contact. It is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (QLD) and must be reported to police or relevant government agencies.
What is the difference between being sexually harassed and sexually abused?
Sexual harassment often involves repeated unwelcome sexual advances or remarks, while sexual abuse includes physical acts of a sexual nature, often involving power or coercion. Both are serious and may require support from local, community-based services or legal professionals.
How to support someone who was sexually abused as a child?
Offer gentle support, listen without judgment, and encourage them to seek advice on trauma from trained clinical care teams or counsellors. Connect them with services like Kids Helpline, the National Office for Child Safety, or local family dispute resolution practitioners for longer-term help.
How do I report sexual assault to the police in QLD?
You can contact Queensland Police on 000 (emergency) or 131 444 (non-emergency), or make an online report via their website. You can also involve Family and Child Connect or government agencies that specialise in the reporting of child abuse.
How do I report abuse in QLD?
To report any abuse of children, contact Child Safety Services, Family and Child Connect, or the Queensland Police. Reporting can be done by individuals or professionals, including mandatory reporters, under mandatory reporting legislation.
What mandatory reporting is required in Queensland?
Under mandatory reporting law, certain professionals like teachers, doctors, and nurses are mandatory reporters and must report any reports of child abuse they suspect or witness. These mandatory requirements are designed to ensure that children’s requirements for children and safety are upheld across all sectors.
Final Thoughts
Sexual abuse is never okay, and no one should have to deal with it alone. Whether you’re seeking answers, thinking about reporting, or supporting someone who’s been hurt, knowing where to turn makes all the difference.
There are real people and services across Queensland who care and are ready to help, no matter how long it’s been or how unsure you might feel.
If you need legal guidance or just someone to talk through your options, VM Family Law is here for you. Our experienced family lawyers in Queensland support individuals and families across the state, including Ipswich, Springfield, and Greater Brisbane.
Call us on 07 3447 8966 or visit www.vmfamilylaw.com.au to book your consultation today.
