Grant opportunity: Supporting services responding to child sexual abuse and harmful sexual behaviours

Before continuing to read this piece, readers should be aware that the content of this article may prove distressing, and should consider their own circumstances before continuing to engage. A list of support services has been provided at the conclusion of the article. 

The Australian Government has announced a new grant opportunity for services supporting children and families affected by child sexual abuse or children who have displayed concerning or harmful sexual behaviours.

Administered by the Attorney-General’s Department, the Grants for Services Responding to Child Sexual Abuse and Children who have Displayed Harmful Sexual Behaviours Program will distribute up to $12.25 million over three years (2025–26 to 2027–28), with individual grants of up to $200,000 available per successful applicant.

The funding aims to strengthen early intervention, response, healing, and recovery services that help prevent intergenerational cycles of violence and trauma. It also seeks to enhance the capacity and capability of specialist and community support services to deliver better practice, trauma-informed, culturally safe, and evidence-based care.

Eligible services must have, at the time of application or within the previous 12 months, delivered support to either:

• victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, and/or
• children (up to age 18) who have displayed concerning or harmful sexual behaviours.

Objectives of the grant program include:

• Expanding the capacity of services responding to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse
• Expanding the capacity of services responding to children exhibiting harmful or concerning sexual behaviours
• Enhancing the capability of these services through alignment with current frameworks, standards, and better-practice knowledge

This restricted competitive grant opportunity reflects the government’s commitment to building a sector that is better equipped to meet the complex needs of children and families impacted by trauma, and to disrupt patterns of violence through timely, culturally respectful, and effective support.

Key details:

• Grant period: December 2025 to 30 June 2028
• Application deadline: 9.00pm AEST, 28 July 2025
• Location: Open to services operating anywhere in Australia

Further information on entity types is available on the Community Grants Hub webpage.

To submit an application or access further information, visit the Australian Government GrantConnect portal. 

For queries, contact the Community Grants Hub on 1800 020 283 or via email at [email protected].

Services working to prevent abuse, support survivors, and promote healing are encouraged to review their eligibility and apply for this critical funding opportunity.

If you, or someone you know, is impacted by child sexual abuse or online exploitation, support services are available.