Geelong man charged over alleged possession of child abuse material
A 55 year old Geelong man has faced court this afternoon, charged in relation to child exploitation offences.
The Victorian Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (VIC JACET) and Geelong Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) arrested the man accused of possessing and soliciting child abuse material, after executing a search warrant at a Batesford property today (Wednesday, January 8, 2020).
The man has been charged with:
- Using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(iv) of the Criminal Code (Cth)
- Possession/control child abuse material contrary to Section 474.22A(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth)
The maximum penalty for each offence is up to 15 years imprisonment.
The man faced the Geelong Magistrates’ Court in relation to the matter today.
The VIC JACET comprises of officers from the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police.
The Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Teams across the country are Australia’s frontline in tackling, disrupting and prosecuting this insidious industry that causes significant harm to the most vulnerable in our community - our children.
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child exploitation are urged to call Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Note to media: USE OF TERM 'CHILD ABUSE', NOT 'CHILD PORNOGRAPHY'
Use of the phrase "child pornography" benefits child sex abusers because it:
- indicates legitimacy and compliance on the part of the victim and therefore legality on the part of the abuser; and
- conjures images of children posing in 'provocative' positions, rather than suffering horrific abuse.
Every photograph captures an actual situation where a child has been abused. This is not "pornography".
Media enquiries:
AFP National Media: (02) 5126 9297