Australian Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Child Exploitation Victims Through Everyday Objects
A new initiative by Australian law enforcement is leveraging the power of collective memory, releasing images of seemingly ordinary items in a bid to identify victims and perpetrators of online child sexual exploitation.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) have released a series of images depicting commonplace objects – from sporting jerseys and kitchen appliances to bedroom décor – as part of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation’s (ACCCE) “Trace an Object” series. The effort aims to tap into the diverse experiences and observational skills of the Australian public to unlock crucial details in ongoing investigations.
A Unique Approach to a Horrific Crime
The ACCCE recognizes that seemingly insignificant details can hold the key to identifying victims and bringing offenders to justice. “It’s about tapping into the wisdom of everyday Australians,” explained Detective Sergeant Lana Carey, Victim Identification Team Leader. “We know they’re eager to play a role given the previous three image releases have generated 1,372 reports and counting.”
The current release includes nine photographs, each linked to a case involving an Australian victim, location, or offender. The images, while carefully sanitized, depict items such as:
- Sports Jerseys: Two framed football jerseys, numbered 8 and 11, believed to be from a local club. Authorities hope a player, club member, framer, or fan might recognize the design or significance of the numbers.
- Anklet: An anklet believed to have been worn by a woman in her early 20s between 2014 and 2015.
- Bedroom Scene: A bedroom featuring a yellow-patterned carpet, with investigators seeking information from builders, real estate agents, or cleaners who may recognize the flooring.
- Handmade Dress: A dress appearing to be handmade or sourced from a community market, prompting a search for dressmakers, fabric store employees, or market stallholders.
- Kitchen: A typical kitchen setting, where police are hoping tilers, appliance sellers, or builders might recall specific details about the layout or fixtures.
- Queensland Bedroom (2009): A bedroom featuring a cane chair, single bed frames, and floral quilt covers.
- Radio Bedhead (2000-2002): A vintage bedroom featuring a radio bedhead, with investigators already knowing the radio brand but seeking information about the room’s location and surrounding items.
- Owl Pillow: A distinctive owl pillow sold overseas, prompting a search for retailers in Australia who may have stocked the item.
- Fireplace (circa 2017): An image showcasing distinct architectural features like a balustrade, fireplace, tile, and parquetry flooring.
The Power of Collective Recall
The strategy hinges on the idea that individuals with specialized knowledge or unique experiences may recall details that investigators have overlooked. For example, a framer might remember framing the specific jerseys, or a builder might recognize the unique layout of a kitchen.
This isn’t a new tactic. Previous releases of images have already yielded significant results, generating over 1,300 reports. Sergeant Carey emphasized that even cold cases remain active. “Our identification specialists never give up on a victim,” she stated. “We follow every lead and avenue we have…and if we don’t succeed, we will continue to visit them periodically year after year…to see if new intelligence or technology might open up fresh lines of inquiry.”
A Growing Crisis
The initiative comes as authorities grapple with a surge in reported cases of online child sexual exploitation. The ACCCE received 82,764 reports in the 2024-2025 financial year, averaging 226 reports per day. Globally, a 2024 study estimates over 300 million children are victims of online sexual abuse annually.
Members of the public with information related to child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE. The AFP’s “Trace an Object” series underscores the critical role of community involvement in combating this pervasive and devastating crime.
Support Services:
- 1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
- Lifeline (24-hour Crisis Line): 131 114
- Victims of Crime Helpline: 1800 819 817
- Blue Knot: 1300 657 380
