We interviewed Australian women who sexually abused children. This is what we learnt

It's not just prevention that's needed

We also acknowledge that while accessibility matters, not everyone will seek support.

In fact, a minority of women in our study admitted nothing would have prevented their offending.

Some felt they weren't aware they needed help until it was too late, or they would not have accepted it at the time anyway.

This reinforces the necessity for both effective prevention and response.

The women's accounts in our study reinforce growing calls for gender-responsive strategies.

While risk factors such as trauma, isolation and substance use are not exclusive to girls and women, they often intersect differently with gendered social roles and expectations compared with men.

For example, parenting stress, relationship toxicity and financial insecurity disproportionately affect women and can compound vulnerability.

By no means do these factors minimise or excuse offending, nor do they fully explain it.

Rather, it is about recognising that prevention and early intervention efforts need to address these gendered risks in order to better protect children from harm.

Importantly, these findings support much of the broader prevention work already underway in Australia, such as:

These are all designed to intervene earlier, reduce isolation and support people as ways to prevent harm and safeguard children.

Our findings align with a growing body of evidence suggesting prevention works best when it is practical and embedded from childhood through adulthood.

The challenge that remains is ensuring services are not only available but visible, accessible, nonjudgmental and clearly inclusive of girls and women.

The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line - 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) - is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

If this article has raised issues for you, or if you're concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.