Sunshine Coast man charged with possessing child abuse material
A 34-year-old man is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court today (26 November 2021) after police found child abuse material on a SD card allegedly belonging to him.
The Buddina man was charged on 7 October 2021 after the Australian Federal Police-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in the United States. The report detailed an online user, believed to be in Australia, uploading child abuse material to the Kik messenger platform.
Enquiries by the ACCCE and the Brisbane Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) allegedly linked the 34-year-old man to the account.
A search warrant was executed at the man's home on 7 October 2021, where investigators seized an SD card containing child abuse material.
The man has been charged with possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 473.1(a) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.
AFP Sergeant Bianca Warland from the Brisbane JACET said viewing or possessing child abuse material was not a victimless crime.
"Every time child abuse material is viewed, uploaded or shared it continues the abuse of that victim. The AFP is committed to identifying and prosecuting anyone involved in this vile activity," Sergeant Warland said.
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online.
If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available.
Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at ThinkUKnow, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
Note to media:
Use of term 'CHILD ABUSE' MATERIAL NOT 'CHILD PORNOGRAPHY'
The correct legal term is Child Abuse Material – the move to this wording was among amendments to Commonwealth legislation in 2019 to more accurately reflect the gravity of the crimes and the harm inflicted on victims.
Use of the phrase "child pornography" is inaccurate and benefits child sex abusers because it:
- indicates legitimacy and compliance on the part of the victim and therefore legality on the part of the abuser; and
- conjures images of children posing in 'provocative' positions, rather than suffering horrific abuse.
Every photograph or video captures an actual situation where a child has been abused.
Media enquiries:
AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297