The Australian Federal Police (AFP) marked National Child Protection Week last week (4-10 September) by urging people across the country to learn how to protect children from online sexual exploitation.
Highlighting its Closing The Net podcast, the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation’s (ACCCE) said the Week was held annually across Australia to raise awareness of child abuse prevention and all issues connected with child protection.
ACCCE and the AFP’s Human Exploitation Commander Hilda Sirec said the award-winning Closing The Net podcast series was launched in 2021 and continued to be recognised for its innovative and compelling content.
“It has just won the Branded Podcast of the Year category at the annual Radio Today Podcast Awards of 2022,” Commander Sirec said.
“The 12-part series highlights how quickly online predators can groom children,” she said.
“The series was produced in response to an increase in reports of online child sexual exploitation to the ACCCE.”
Commander Sirec said the podcast contained content that was, at times, uncomfortable to hear but which needed to be told.
“The podcast gives listeners an insight and understanding into what constitutes online sexual exploitation and just how easily children can be targeted by anyone, from anywhere,” she said.
“Protecting children from sexual exploitation is a whole of community responsibility and I encourage those who haven’t yet come across the podcast to give it a listen, especially as we mark National Child Protection Week this week.”
Commander Sirec said the series included compelling insights from more than 55 child protection experts across law enforcement, Government, academia and non-government organisations.
She said the podcast was regarded as a valuable resource for information and guidance on online child sexual exploitation.
“Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000,” Commander Sirec said.
Further information on the ACCCE’s podcast can be accessed at this PS News link.
If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available, visit to learn more www.accce.gov.au/support
