Violence and sexual harm of Australian children rising

Key points

• Sexual assault and family-violence-related assault involving Australian children rose sharply between 2014 and 2024, according to a University of Sydney study published Wednesday. Lead author Lucy Grummitt said the findings were the opposite of what researchers expected and called the situation a crisis point.
• Sexual assault against boys aged 10 to 17 rose by 60 per cent over the decade, and against girls in the same age group by 51 per cent.
• Researchers are urging federal and state governments to invest in prevention and child protection systems.