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

We spoke with 18 women convicted of child sexual abuse in three Australian states, uncovering missed opportunities for help that may have preventable the offences. Their stories highlight that women and girls now account for 7.6% of confirmed US cases and, in some states, up to 36%. In Australia, recorded sexual‑assault offenders involving women rose from 222 in 2008‑09 to 678 in 2023‑24—a 205% increase. Participants reported early abuse, neglect, and lack of counselling, mental‑health support, and parenting guidance as key factors. Barriers included dismissal, long waitlists and cost. The findings stress that services must be not just available but visible, affordable and non‑judgmental, and that gender‑responsive preventative strategies are urgently needed to safeguard children.