Detectives from Argos have charged three people with child sex offences following an investigation into the indecent treatment of a five-year-old girl and distribution of child exploitation material.
It will be alleged that a 37-year-old Deception Bay woman indecently dealt with a five-year-old girl and filmed the offending, distributing footage of the abuse via encrypted messaging applications.
The woman was arrested on October 29, charged with one count of the indecent treatment of a child under 12, one count of the possession of child exploitation material, one count of making child exploitation material, three counts of distributing child exploitation material, one count of using a carriage service to access child abuse material and the possession of a dangerous drug. She has been remanded in custody and will next appear at the Caboolture Magistrates Court on December 3.
A 33-year-old Caboolture man was arrested on October 30, charged with one count of the possession of child exploitation material and one count of using a carriage service to access child abuse material. He is due to appear at the Caboolture Magistrates Court on December 6.
A 39-year-old Brisbane man was arrested yesterday (October 31), charged with one count of the distribution of child exploitation material and due to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
Detective Inspector Glen Donaldson of the Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group's unit Argos said this case highlights the importance of parents and caregivers taking active and ongoing measures around the safety of their children.
"Supervision and communication are key to prevention. We encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about what to do if they feel uncomfortable about any behaviour towards them and how they can report that behaviour," Detective Inspector Donaldson said.
"Children must know that nothing is so serious or embarrassing that they can't approach a trusted adult for support and to report behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable.
"The Queensland Police Service remains committed to targeting offenders involved in the sexual exploitation of children and the possession or distribution of child exploitation material. This is not a victimless crime. These images have been created through the abuse of real children and anyone involved in possessing or distributing these images continues this cycle of victimisation".
Resources and advice
- eSafety Commissioner a key partner of the QPS in enhancing online safety, with a comprehensive suite of information, resources and reporting tools to ensure children have a safe experience online.
- Who's chatting to your kids? Further QPS advice and information about reducing online risks for children.
- Out of the dark #doiknowu a campaign by the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) supported by the QPS and Department of Education, providing resources to help young people stay safe online.
- Think U Know is a partnership between Australian Federal Police, Commonwealth Bank, Datacom, Microsoft, State and Territory Police and Neighbourhood Watch. It provides information on topics including sexting, cyber bullying, online child exploitation, online privacy, and what to do when something goes wrong.
