The recent 7 News Spotlight special (aired 14 September 2025) highlights the horrific reality of child exploitation worldwide, and the confronting truth that Australians are among the largest groups fueling this global abuse.

In 2024-25, the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) recorded 82,764 reports of online child abuse, a 41% increase from the previous year.

Forensic psychologist Peter Ashkar, an expert on the behaviour of child sex offenders warns that these predators, who live-stream or direct the abuse of children overseas, pose a direct threat to Australian children.

Matt Valentine, Global Counter-OSEC Director for Destiny Rescue International, said:

“The Spotlight program confirmed what we see every day, Australians are fueling demand for child abuse material overseas.  We must step up. This is a national shame that demands stronger accountability, resourcing, and action.”

 A Global Crisis Demanding Collective Action

Online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) has reached global crisis levels.  In just the past year, an estimated 300 million children have been affected.

Destiny Rescue’s 2025-26 Pre-Budget Submission calls for urgent coordinated action to close the structural gaps that allow online exploitation to thrive.  This includes stronger legislation, additional funding, and greater international collaboration.

 A Call to Australians: Be part of the solution

•   Watch the 7 Spotlight Showcase here
•   Learn more about our work combating OSEC here.
•   Read stories of our latest rescues here.

 Australia must lead with action.