Sexually Harmful Behaviour

This course will enable you to:

• Develop confidence to engage with young people displaying sexually harmful behaviour.
• Learn how to manage risks and recognise risk factors.
• Learn how to promote positive behaviour.
• Understand consent.
• Recognise types of abuse.

Healthy sexual behaviours are:

• Mutual
• Consensual
• Choice
• Exploratory
• No intent to cause harm
• No power differentials

Problematic sexual behaviours are (not harmful):

• Not age appropriate
• One off incident or low key such as touching over clothing
• Peer pressure
• Spontaneous rather than planned
• Self-directed e.g. Masturbation
• Lack of intent to cause harm or level of understanding, or acceptance or responsibility
• Other children irritated or uncomfortable but not scared
• Other factors such as parents/carers and concerned and supportive

Harmful sexual behaviours are:

• Not age appropriate
• Elements of planning, secrecy, force or coercion
• Power differentials e.g. age, size, strength, status
• The response of others e.g. fear, anxiety, discomfort
• The response of the child e.g. fear, anger, aggression
• The child blames others and takes no responsibility
• Frequent incidents of increasing frequency and disproportionate to other aspects of their lives
• Not easily distracted, compulsive despite intervention
• Other difficult behaviours, conduct disorders, anger, poor peer relationships

This course has been created and delivered by Milly Wildish, a child protection specialist who has worked in criminal and education settings. Milly is a national safeguarding panel member and is currently engaged in a large-scale independent investigation, into current and historical allegations of child abuse.