Hub launches to help children recognise sexual harm

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 18:38 · Archive

A new resource hub will equip young people, parents and practitioners to recognise and respond to harmful sexual behaviours.

A resource hub is being launched to support young people's sexual safety by providing resources for them, their parents and practitioners to recognise or respond to harmful behaviours.

A survey of more than 8,500 Australians aged 16 and over found 28.5 per cent had experienced child sexual abuse, with nearly half of reported abuse carried out by people under 18.

One mother described her experience after her daughter disclosed problematic sexual behaviour involving a friend during a play date. When she raised the matter with the other parent, the conversation was difficult and 'closed down'. The two families initially developed strategies to monitor the children, but the behaviour continued until the girls were separated. The mother said she wished there had been more resources available and better access to support services at the time.

Parents often struggle to discuss these issues openly because of taboos around the subject, though such behaviours between children are not unusual and require education rather than being treated as deviant, according to the mother's account.

How it is being reported

• Resource hub to keep children safe from sexual harmA hub supporting young people's sexual safety will equip them, their parents and practitioners with resources to recognise or respond to harmful behaviours.Perth Now · 2 Nov, 18:01
• Resource hub to keep children safe from sexual harmA hub supporting young people's sexual safety will equip them, their parents and practitioners with resources to recognise or respond to harmful behaviours.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 18:01

In this story: Australia

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