Child Sexual Victimisation in Queensland : An Overview of Legal and Administrative Developments Since 2000

• NCJ Number: 243022
• Author(s): Julie Butner; Wendy Harris
• Date Published: June 2013
• Length: 31 pages
• Corporate Author: Queensland Crime and Misconduct Cmssn
• Sale Source: Queensland Crime and Misconduct Cmssn
• Publication Format: Document; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This study reviews the legal and administrative developments that have shaped the current legal and criminal justice status of criminal pedophilia and child protection in Queensland, Australia, during the 10 years since the 2000 study of the past, present, and likely future impact of criminal pedophilia and child sexual victimization (CSV) in Queensland ("Project Axis").

Abstract

Since Project Axis was published in 2000, there have been numerous significant changes in how the Queensland criminal justice system prevents and responds to incidents of child sexual victimization. Since 2000, significant amendments have been made to all Queensland law relevant to CSV. Provisions of this legislation are discussed in this report. Attention is also given to key Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) and Government reports; government policy and strategy changes; and the establishment of new agencies and administrative arrangements that have shaped how CSV is addressed by police, lawyers, and other practitioners who work with children and CSV offenders. Many of the new CSV offenses specified in both the Queensland and Commonwealth criminal codes have responded to the increased use of technology in the commission of CSV, notably the use of the internet to procure children for sex and to distribute child pornography. One of the most significant improvements in law enforcement efforts against CSV has been an increase in collaboration among police in other Australian jurisdictions and internationally, particularly in investigations that involve online pedophile networks. Child protection workers are also involved in some investigations. This report outlines the broad categories of CSV offenses in both Queensland and Commonwealth criminal codes. Categories are contact offenses (child victims only); contact offenses (child and adult victims); non-contact offenses (excluding child pornography offenses); child exploitation material offenses and related offenses; and miscellaneous offenses. 33 references and appended chart showing key administrative and legislative changes related to CSV