Exploiting Trust: Child Sexual Abuse in the Aid Sector

Professor Michael Salter is a leading researcher on child sexual abuse and the director of ChildLight East Asia and Pacific Hub at the University of New South Wales. In this episode, he talks about the prevalence of child sexual abuse and the particular vulnerabilities within the aid sector due to power imbalances and lack of accountability. Professor Salter explains how men who abuse children are proportionally more likely to seek professional roles that put them in touch with children. He also highlights how online exploitation and peer-on-peer abuse are growing forms of child sexual abuse. The episode also explores structural, situational, and post-harm strategies for preventing sexual misconduct and Professor Salter emphasises the need for brave, uncomfortable conversations to prioritise child safety.