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AIC: New research examines sexual exploitation experienced by underage dating platform users

Link to: Sexual exploitation of children on dating platforms and experiences of revictimisation as an adult

The Australian Institute of Criminology has released a new Trends & issues paper on the sexual exploitation of children on dating platforms and experiences of revictimisation as an adult.

Using data from a survey of nearly 10,000 Australians, this study found that 8.8% of respondents had used a dating platform while under the age of 18, and 59.3% of these underage users had received a sexually exploitative request from another user.
Nearly two-thirds of underage dating platform users were asked by another user to meet in person. Over half (54.3%) were asked for sexual photos or videos of themselves, and one-third of them were offered payment in return.
The findings suggest that a notable group of Australians under the age of 18 may be active on dating platforms and at risk of sexual exploitation by other users.