The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have released a series of images depicting everyday items, hoping to enlist public assistance in identifying victims of online child sexual exploitation. This initiative is part of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation’s (ACCCE) ongoing “Trace an Object” series, which aims to leverage the collective knowledge and experiences of Australians to uncover crucial information.
The images, which include items such as pink floral bed sheets, a framed red football jersey, and a kitchen setting complete with an internet modem, are believed to be linked to cases involving Australian victims, locations, or offenders. The release underscores the importance of community involvement in tackling such heinous crimes.
Engaging the Public in Crime Solving
Detective Sergeant Lana Carey, who leads the victim identification team, emphasized the value of public participation in these efforts. “One of the photos from this latest Stop Child Abuse — Trace an Object release shows two framed football jerseys. By sharing this with the public, we’re hoping to trigger memories that could lead to identifying the jerseys’ origins,” Carey explained.
She added that the jerseys, marked with the numbers 8 and 11, are not commercial products but likely linked to a local football club. This specificity could help jog the memory of players, club members, or even fans who might recognize the jerseys.
Details of the Released Images
- Sports Jerseys: Two jerseys, numbered 8 and 11, believed to be linked to a local football club.
- Anklet: Likely from 2014-2015, potentially recognizable to the victim or acquaintances.
- Bedroom: Circa 2015 setting, with a focus on a yellow-patterned carpet, not the playmat.
- Dress: Appears handmade or from a community market, not mass-produced.
- Kitchen: Average kitchen with potential clues in tiles or appliances.
- Queensland Bedroom: Dates back to 2009, featuring a cane chair and floral quilt covers.
- Radio Bedhead: The oldest image, dating back to 2000-2002, with a known radio brand.
- Owl Pillow: Sold overseas, but information is sought about its presence in Australia.
- Fireplace: Circa 2017, with distinct architectural features like balustrade and parquetry flooring.
Community Involvement and Historical Context
The initiative reflects a broader trend in law enforcement to engage the public in solving crimes, particularly those involving child exploitation. Previous releases in the “Trace an Object” series have generated over 1,372 reports, demonstrating the potential impact of community involvement.
The ACCCE received a staggering 82,764 reports of online child sexual exploitation in the 2024-2025 financial year, translating to an average of 226 reports per day. These figures highlight the pervasive nature of the issue and the urgent need for innovative solutions.
According to a 2024 study, there are estimated to be more than 300 million victims of online child sex abuse every year globally.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Directions
Sergeant Carey noted that while the photos relate to cold cases, they do not signify the end of investigative efforts. “We follow every lead and avenue when files first come into the ACCCE. If we don’t succeed, we revisit them periodically to see if new intelligence or technology might open fresh lines of inquiry,” she stated.
The commitment to solving these cases is unwavering, driven by the desire for closure and the need to support victims and survivors. The ACCCE’s approach underscores the importance of persistence and innovation in combating online child exploitation.
As the AFP continues to release images and seek public assistance, the hope is that new insights will emerge, leading to breakthroughs in these challenging cases. The community’s role remains crucial in this ongoing battle against child exploitation, with each contribution potentially making a significant difference.
