Protect Young People from Grooming and Abuse in the Dance Industry

Right now, young people in extracurricular activities—like dance, gymnastics, and after-school sports—are at risk of grooming and abuse by those in positions of power.

Australian laws fail to protect young people over the age of consent (16 or 17 in most states) from teachers and coaches who abuse their authority. As a dancer on the ground in these spaces, I’ve heard alarming allegations of grooming and abuse from young victims - my peers. This legal grey area allows predators to operate unchecked—exploiting trust, silencing victims, and continuing to work with young people.

Supporters of this petition shared:

"I’m a victim of sexual assault at the hands of a teacher. We need to take better precautions to protect young people from predators in teacher roles."

“I grew up in the dance industry and I am now a dance teacher. The things I have seen, heard and experienced in this industry are horrific and disgusting. No young dancer should be subject to such abuse from the teachers and educators they are supposed to be able to trust.”

Victims are being failed by the system. If we don’t act, more young people will suffer in silence.

We demand urgent action:

• A national inquiry into abuse of power in extracurricular industries, particularly full-time training institutions
• A stronger Working With Children Check system, managed at a national level (rather than state-by-state).
• Legislation extending protections to all young people, not just those under 16 or 17

Evidence shows that young people in performance-based industries are especially vulnerable to abuse. A 2017 study by the Crimes Against Children Research Center (CACRC) found that 1 in 5 children in the U.S. experienced abuse in youth sports. Australia is no exception.

Victims who come forward are often dismissed by institutions that prioritize reputation over accountability. Without clear laws and oversight, teachers and coaches who prey on young people continue working in the industry without consequences.

Laws won’t change unless we make decision-makers listen. With enough public support, we can pressure the National Office for Child Safety and key government leaders to take immediate action to protect young people from abuse.

Sign now to demand stronger protections and end the cycle of abuse.

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Support and Resources - 

Police: Call 000 in an emergency or contact your local police station.
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au for 24/7 mental health support.
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.aufor confidential support for young people aged 5 to 25.
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au for crisis support and counselling.
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for confidential support for those experiencing sexual or domestic violence.
Headspace: 1800 650 890 or visit www.headspace.org.au for youth mental health support.