One of Australia’s leading researchers into child sex abuse says too many parents are focussing on ‘stranger danger’ to try and protect their children. Professor Caroline Taylor says when it comes to child pornography the reality is most children are abused by family members.
Edith Cowan University professor Caroline Taylor has just returned to Australia after being invited to address the 29th World Meeting of Interpol’s Specialist Group.
The group investigates child abuse and child pornography around the globe.
“Lots of people think when children are used in pornography they think of a stranger exploiting a child,” professor Taylor says.
“But the vast majority of child pornography is produced by parents and grandparents…about 80 per cent… it’s huge.”
She says while technology is helping paedophiles exchange child porn, it’s also helping law enforcement officers find and prosecute offenders.
“They’ve solved cases because they’ve been able to blow up images and see what’s in the background, but even so it’s a herculean effort.
“But we have to remember… for every 10 [children] that they might find, there’s around 200,000 that they can’t find.”
