New data reveals Victoria's most vulnerable children in state residential care are continuing to be harmed by organised and opportunistic sexual exploitation.
Victoria's Commissioner for Children and Young People, Liana Buchanan, said on Wednesday that it is clear that without stronger action, children in residential care remain at extreme risk of harm due to criminal activity by adults.
Data released 5 April 2023 shows that from July 2021 to the end of March 2023, 423 incidents of sexual exploitation in residential care were reported to the Commission, involving a total of 165 children.
Of these, 64 per cent, or 241 incidents, involved sexual exploitation and abuse of children under 16, and 11 incidents involved nine children under 12.
"Behind these figures are 165 of Victoria's most vulnerable and victimised children – children who have already suffered trauma, been removed from their families and are now in the care of the state," Commissioner Buchanan said.
Reports received by the Commission indicate perpetrators are targeting children in residential care and offering drugs and/or money if the children leave care to meet up with them in cars, homes or hotels. Sexual abuse and assaults are common occurrences for these children.
In June 2021, the Commission's report, Out of sight: Systemic inquiry into children and young people who are absent or missing from residential care was tabled in the Parliament of Victoria.
In that report, nearly two years ago, the Commission called on the government and Victoria Police to commit to and maintain "a joint, targeted response" to child sexual exploitation.
Two years passed and nothing has been done by the government and police.
Commissioner Buchanan said: "It is sad enough that we continue to see children in state care sexually abused and victimised. It is worse still for me as Commissioner to have seen state agencies step away from a concerted, joined-up effort that was helping to protect these children."
"We've simply seen too little progress. Numerous inquiries have highlighted that there is a dire and urgent need to improve the quality of care. This is a crucial part of keeping children in placement and safe from exploitation," said Commissioner Buchanan.
