Trace an Object: Help Australian Federal Police identify items found in child sexual abuse material
- Kayelene Kerr Child Safety Expert
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
The Smallest Clue Can Help Save a Child
‘Stop Child Abuse - Trace an Object’ was established by Europol in 2017 and launched in Australia in 2021.
Every image of child sexual abuse material represents a real child, a real location, and a real moment in time. Sometimes, the only way to find a child victim is not through a face, but through a background or an object.
The images shared as part of the Trace an Object initiative by the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) have been carefully edited. Victims are removed. What remains are the objects and locations investigators need help identifying. Because someone, somewhere, might recognise something, and that recognition could change a child's life.
Why Background Details Matter
When law enforcement investigates child sexual abuse material, they often work with very limited information.
An object in the background might reveal:
A specific hotel chain
A type of electrical socket unique to a country
A school uniform
A distinctive piece of furniture
A local landmark visible through a window
A bed covering
The smallest clue can generate a lead. A lead can identify a location. A location can identify a child. Identifying a child means they can be removed from harm.
What Happens When You Make a Report?
If you recognise something in one of the Trace an Object images and submit a report:
Your information goes directly to the ACCCE.
A specialist team of victim identification officers carefully assesses your tip.
Relevant law enforcement agencies are informed to support further investigation.
Partial information can assist, and reports can be made anonymously.
You may never need to make a report. But if you recognise something, anything, know that your information could be the missing piece investigators are searching for. The smallest clue can lead to the biggest outcome: a child located and freed from child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Trace an Object is a reminder that safeguarding children is not only the responsibility of law enforcement; it is a shared responsibility.
The Importance of Community Involvement
Community involvement is crucial in the fight against child exploitation. Every member of society can play a role. By staying vigilant and informed, we can create a safer environment for children.
When we share information, we empower others. We help build a network of support that can protect our most vulnerable. It’s essential to talk about these issues openly. The more we discuss them, the more aware we become.
How to Stay Informed
To stay informed about child safety and protective behaviours, consider these steps:
Follow trusted organisations: Keep up with updates from organisations like the ACCCE and eSafeKids. They provide valuable resources and information.
Attend workshops: Participate in workshops that focus on child safety and protective behaviours. These sessions can equip you with the knowledge you need to help children.
Read educational materials: Explore books and resources that discuss topics like cyber safety, body safety, and consent. Understanding these concepts is vital.
Taking Action
If you see something suspicious or concerning, don’t hesitate to act. Report it to the appropriate authorities. Your actions could save a child from harm.
Remember, every small action counts. Whether it’s sharing information or educating others, you contribute to a larger cause.
To learn more about the Trace an Object initiative and how your report can help, visit the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation website and explore how this important work is helping identify and protect children.
About The Author
Kayelene Kerr is recognised as one of Western Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of Protective Behaviours, Body Safety, Cyber Safety, Digital Wellness, and Pornography education workshops. Kayelene is passionate about the prevention of child abuse and sexual exploitation, drawing on over 29 years of experience in study and law enforcement, investigating sexual crimes, including technology-facilitated crimes.
Kayelene delivers engaging and sought-after prevention education workshops to educate, equip, and empower children and young people. She also helps support parents, carers, educators, and other professionals. Kayelene believes protecting children from harm is a shared responsibility, and everyone can play a role in the care, safety, and protection of children. She aims to inspire the trusted adults in children’s lives to tackle sometimes challenging topics.
About eSafeKids
eSafeKids strives to reduce and prevent harm through proactive prevention education. They support and inspire parents, carers, educators, and other professionals to talk with children, young people, and vulnerable adults about protective behaviours, body safety, cyber safety, digital wellness, and pornography. eSafeKids is based in Perth, Western Australia.
eSafeKids provides books and resources to teach children about social and emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, gender equality, consent, body safety, protective behaviours, cyber safety, digital wellness, media literacy, puberty, and pornography.
eSafeKids books can support educators teaching protective behaviours and child abuse prevention education that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and National Quality Framework: National Quality Standards (NQS).
