Over 1000 Letters Sent to Sydney Families About Alleged Child Sex Offences

More than 1000 letters have reportedly been sent to Sydney families notifying them about alleged child sex offences of a man who worked with children in the north shore and CBD. 

The man was charged by the AFP in October last year in relation to alleged criminal behaviour involving a “very small number of children”. 

The NSWPF and AFP have partnered with NSW Health, NSW Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Department of Education and Training and the Office of the Children’s Guardian, in accordance with the Joint Child Protection Response Program and under the strict guidelines of the Royal Commission. 

The AFP has said that the man remains in custody and poses no threat to children.

Strict Non-Publication Orders Conceals Alleged Sex Offender’s Identity

The man’s identity, place or places of work and the children involved cannot be identified as they have been suppressed under strict non-publication orders. 

Letters have been distributed to more than 1000 families and carers who may have come into contact with the man, even if they were not one of the alleged victims. 

“Based on information currently available, investigators believe the alleged behaviour of the man involves a very small number of children, however, the parents and carers of any child who may have had contact with the man has received a letter,” an AFP statement read.

“In addition, the NSWPF is assisting the AFP in a comprehensive victim identification process.”

The letter provides instructions on how to contact a local hotline if parents or carers have concerns about their child.

Investigators have asked those who receive the letter to “read it carefully” and “contact the local hotline”, as per the instructions, if they believe they require further assistance.

1 in 4 Australians Experience Child Sexual Abuse

According to the National Office for Child Safety, around 1 in 4 (28.5%) of Australians have experienced child sexual abuse. 

Child sexual abuse can have profound, long-term impacts across all aspects of a person’s life, including their health, education, employment and relationships. 

Additionally, Australians who experience childhood maltreatment, including child sexual abuse, are “substantially more likely to have a mental health disorder, engage in health risk behaviours and use more health services than those who have not experienced maltreatment”.

Police are unable to provide further comment on the ongoing investigation while the court-directed non-publication orders are in place.

The investigation is ongoing. 

Help is available if you or someone you know has experienced, are experiencing, or are concerned a child or young person may be at risk of harm including child sexual abuse. If you need assistance or support, the Get Support page provides a list of dedicated services. If you need information or resources for reporting child safety concerns, please visit the Make a report page.