More than 1,300 sexual misconduct cases have been reported in NSW public schools, a report released last month found.
Data provided by the NSW Department of Education, under a freedom of information (FOI) request, has recorded 1,317 incidents in 2023, including inappropriate and/or harmful forms of sexualised behaviour; indecent assaults; allegations of sexual assaults and sexting.
A large portion of these incidents occurred in public school buildings, including staff rooms, with 1,263 of the 1,317 incidents involving staff members.
Bravehearts director of research, Carol Ronken, has alleged that school-aged children were specifically being targeted by individuals who understand ways to build trust to carry out their crimes.
“Children of that age group tend to be targeted by perpetrators because they are vulnerable, because they are more easily manipulated through grooming strategies,” Ms Ronken said.
Since 2023, Ms Ronken said that the number of reported incidents had increased, with the most recent data yet to be released.
The 2023 dataset was released from the NSW Department of Education following an FOI request. It’s unknown if or when the more recent data will be released.
Source: NSW Department of Education, 2023 incident data (released under freedom of information request)
The biggest category of complaints was on problematic and harmful sexualised behaviour (PHSB), with 702 complaints recorded. This is followed closely by indecent assaults (451 complaints), and complaints of sexual assault (137 complaints).
Ms Ronken said that female perpetrators working in positions of trust and care were a less-discussed part of the picture. She also believed that awareness was being missed in school safeguarding training.
Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Sexual Assault in NSW (March 2026 release, Q4 2025 data). bocsar.nsw.gov.au/topic-areas/sexual-assault.html
Note: “Contemporary child sexual assault” = victims aged under 16 at the time of the offence. “Other known person” includes acquaintances, carers, colleagues and household members. Graph excludes 10% of records where relationship was not stated.
In 2025, BOCSAR reported 12,925 sexual assaults throughout New South Wales, of which 31 per cent were family members.
BOSCAR’S “person in authority” category includES educators, religious leaders and other professionals, which accounted for 1 per cent.
Cases involving school staff have nonetheless drawn public attention.
In November 2025, a 37-year-old NSW high school teacher, Karly Rae, pleaded guilty in Newcastle District Court for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old male student in October 2024.
Child sexual assault advocate and educator, Michelle Milthorpe said that the systems that are meant to aid young victims often add to their distress.
“We must ensure that the processes that are meant to bring justice for these kids are not re-traumatising them,” Ms Milthorpe said.
The NSW’s ‘Justice Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign’, co-led by Ms Milthorpe, secured $64 million in state funding to expand the Child Sexual Offences Further Evidence Program.
This will allow young victims across regional NSW to provide pre-recorded evidence rather than having to give it open court.
Child’s Action Plan 2023 – 2026 commits the NSW Department of Education and public schools to integrating the ten Child Safe Standards, with annual compulsory child protection training for all staff.
The Plan is reviewed every four years, with the next iteration to be updated and developed upon consultation with the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian.
Additional Reporting: Aric Kim
If you or someone you know needs support:
NSW Sexual Violence Helpline (Fullstop Australia): 1800 424 017 (24/7)
Child Protection Helpline (DCJ NSW): 132 111 (24 hours)
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (for young people aged 5-25)
