Become a partner in our mission of building a world where every child is protected and can thrive.
MAKE A DONATION
At ICMEC Australia, we believe that effective responses to child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) must be grounded in evidence. We are dedicated to building a stronger knowledge base around the evolving nature, impacts, and drivers of CSEA to develop an informed response.
Through partnerships with universities, researchers, and the broader child protection community, we support and undertake research that identifies emerging threats and explores what works in prevention, detection, and response. Whether it's analysing the economic impact of child sexual abuse and exploitation, studying offender behaviours, or supporting the next generation of researchers, our goal is to ensure the sector has access to robust data and insights to inform better policy, practice, and advocacy.
ICMEC Australia has launched a research project to study the costs of online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA) in Australia. “Cost” is defined as something that has or is likely to have a monetary, financial, economic, or expenditure impact in some way. The study conceptualises the multi-faceted nature of the costs associated with child sexual exploitation, particularly facilitated by online technology. The research takes this focus because it presents a significant knowledge gap, but one which is important for a holistic understanding and response to OCSEA.
Dr Jonah Rimer, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Convenor of Postgraduate Cyber Criminology at the University of Queensland, was selected to lead this study.
Please find the full report titled Costs of online child sexual exploitation and abuse in Australia: An initial review below.
The full report includes one-page summaries for government or corporate audiences in the appendices.
This research will be shared across the child protection sector and broader community, enhancing discussions with government and industry about the impact of CSEA, the need for more comprehensive approaches, and strengthening the evidence base for organisations and professionals dedicated to countering and preventing CSEA.
A summary of the cost categories and costs identified in the research can be found below.
In 2025, ICMEC Australia partnered with three final-year students in Macquarie University’s social science program for a semester-long applied research project.
Their research focused on: ‘Deterrence strategies for online child sexual abuse and exploitation: a global and national review with recommendations’
This report examines global offender-based deterrence and prevention methods across a range of regions, analysing the gaps that exist within current systems, the progress being made, and potential evidence-based recommendations for further improvement. The report also includes a detailed, state-by-state analysis of Australia’s deterrence strategies, exploring legislative frameworks, intervention programs, law enforcement capabilities, and preventative initiatives currently implemented across all Australian states and territories.
This initiative offers insights into the global evolution of offender deterrence, persistent challenges, and necessary steps to strengthen child protection in digital spaces.
We celebrate these driven students and their valuable contributions to this critical area of study. ICMEC Australia is proud to have partnered with Macquarie University and support the students’ efforts in shaping this essential field.
In 2025, ICMEC Australia partnered with the University of Queensland’s Applied Research in Criminology and Criminal justice program. Five final-year students completed a year-long research project developed in collaboration with ICMEC Australia and their academic supervisors.
Their research focused on: the untold harm of ‘nudify’ apps and community perceptions, awareness, and attitudes.
Their findings highlighted a growing global increase in reports of AI- generated child sexual abuse material, alongside limited community awareness and understanding of these harms.
Drawing on a survey of more than 250 university students, the research found that 42 per cent of respondents had never heard of nudify apps, with many identifying the normalisation of digital sexual violence and privacy invasions as the most significant long-term risks. The majority strongly agreed that nudify apps should be banned across all app stores. The research students recommended greater education and awareness campaigns, stronger corporate responsibility, and technical measures such as data poisoning, as well as further research including engagement with 12- to 17-year-olds to better understand awareness and experiences.
We commend these dedicated students and their significant contributions to this crucial field of study. It has been a privilege for ICMEC Australia to have partnered with these students to recognise their valuable insights.
In 2024, ICMEC Australia partnered with the University of Queensland’s Bachelor of Social Science program for an applied research project. Five final-year students have completed a year-long research project developed in collaboration with ICMEC Australia and their academic supervisors.
Their research focused on: ‘Exploring the social, policy, and legislative implications of AI-generated child sexual abuse material.’
As perpetrators of child sexual exploitation continue to adapt to technological advancements, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), this evolving crime highlights the necessity of ongoing research to uncover data-driven insights and evidence-based solutions.
This initiative has provided valuable insights that will inform our work and contribute to the broader child protection response community.
We are proud to have supported these students, who are driven by a passion to make a difference in this dynamic field, and we celebrate their contributions to this critical area.
ICMEC Australia is proud to have served as the gold sponsor for the inaugural CSARRN Workshop held in Adelaide in 2023. This unique initiative reflects our mission to facilitate cross-sector collaboration and strengthen the evidence base around reducing and preventing child sexual abuse.
Established in 2023 by a group of dedicated researchers committed to combatting child sexual abuse, CSARRN’s inaugural workshop, hosted by the University of Adelaide, brought together key researchers and thought leaders from global institutions and Australia’s world-leading research teams. The event facilitated the sharing of work, the fostering of new collaborations, and the development of unified solutions to address child sexual abuse better.
ICMEC Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners throughout Australia and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and Elders past and present.
