Role of the Police
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This information has been reproduced with the kind permission of the Department of Human Services Victoria. Many of the DHS booklets on this site are no longer available in printed format, but all inquiries should be directed to the Protection and Care Publishing Unit, Department of Human Services Melbourne (03) 9616 7013.
The Police have prime responsibility for investigating criminal offences relating to child sexual abuse. A criminal investigation can be activated by either a Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (SOCA) Unit or the Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) whenever reasonable grounds exist for believing that a child has been sexually abused.
If child sexual abuse is suspected but no protective concerns exist, it is appropriate for the Police SOCA Unit to be consulted to establish whether there will be a criminal investigation. Their response will be undertaken in the best interests of the child and will take account of the need for medical, counselling and treatment referrals. Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Units offer a consultation service to victims, their families and professionals regarding investigations of this kind.
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Disclaimer
Copyright Updated: 23 Jun 2010
The South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country throughout Victoria. We pay our respects to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and future.