Child sexual abuse cases involving female perpetrators are confronting and distressing. When these cases make the news, they often provoke shock and outrage.

The involvement of women and girls in child sexual abuse cases has historically been underestimated and under-recognised.

Yet, in the United States, approximately 7.6% of confirmed cases are perpetrated by women or girls, though some US states report it to be as high as 36%.

In Australia, recorded sexual assault offences involving women and girls have increased from 222 offenders in 2008–09 to 678 in 2023–24: a 205% rise.

Public attention has long focused on male perpetrators and on what happens after abuse is uncovered (including prosecution and punishment or cases not proceeding to court).

Prevention, however, requires us to act earlier and to ask a different question: what might have prevented these women from sexually abusing a child in the first place?

Our recent Australian research may have uncovered some answers.

We spoke directly with 18 women convicted of child sexual abuse offences in three states/territories in Australia.

These conversations were not about minimising or excuse-making, but about uncovering missed opportunities for support and intervention throughout their lives that they........

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