The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has launched a podcast about online child sexual exploitation that brings some hard-to-tell stories out from the shadows.
The AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) podcast, Closing The Net, explores the scale of the issue, victim experiences, the psychology behind offender behaviour, advocacy, prevention and Government intervention.
It provides the Australian community with behind-the-scenes access to the men and women who work to end the exploitation of children.
Commissioner at the AFP, Reece P Kershaw said although some listeners might find parts of the content confronting, “these are stories that need to be told”.
“The issues raised throughout the series need to be acknowledged and talked about by the Australian community,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
“Last year, the ACCCE received more than 21,000 reports of online child sexual exploitation,” he said.
“It’s important that we raise awareness about this crime type and normalise discussion.”
Commissioner Kershaw said the podcast provided listeners with an understanding of what constituted online exploitation and just how easily children could be targeted by anyone, from anywhere.
“Episodes will give parents, guardians and carers tips and advice on how to protect kids online, as well as how to identify and report offensive online behaviour,” he said.
“We hope this podcast gives listeners the tools to equip them to educate themselves and others, speak up and report online child sexual exploitation.
“Help us put an end to this crime type.”
Closing The Net is available from the ACCCE website, on this PS News link, and all major podcast platforms.
