Harmful Sexual Behaviour & Peer-Instigated Sexual Abuse: What Parents Need to Know

Harmful sexual behaviour and peer-instigated sexual abuse are on the rise amongst Australian young people. So what is harmful sexual behaviour and peer-instigated sexual abuse, and what do parents and carers need to know to both protect their children and young people, as well as reduce the risks of their own children and young people from causing harm?

What is Harmful Sexual Behaviour and Peer-Instigated Sexual Abuse?

Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) is developmentally inappropriate sexual behaviour displayed by children and young people that is harmful to themselves or to others (1). Peer-instigated sexual abuse is when a child or young person has engaged in harmful sexual behaviour toward another child or young person (including siblings).

The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (2023) found that 13% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by young people under 18 who are known to the victim, making this cohort of perpetrators the largest, followed by parents/caregivers at 8%.2.

Harmful Sexual Behaviour: Risk Factors and Protective Factors

The Australian Childhood Foundation website explains that whilst the interplay of individual, family, social and environmental risk factors is complex, dominant risk factors for engaging in harmful sexual behaviour include exposure and/or witness to family and domestic violence, history of sexual victimisation, long-term neglect and being inappropriately exposed to sexual activity or pornography.

Protective factors, i.e., things that may help prevent a child or young person from engaging in harmful sexual behaviour, are similar to those that can help in the prevention of child sexual abuse in general, such as family and social connectedness, environmental stability, and personal safety skills and knowledge.

What to Do if Your Child is Engaging in Harmful Sexual Behaviour

If your child has engaged in harmful sexual behaviour toward another child, know that help is available. Bravehearts’ trained staff is here to support you. Contact Bravehearts’ Information and Support Line on 1800 272 831 or email us at bisl@bravehearts.org.au.

What to Do if Your Child Has Been Harmed by Another Child or Young Person

If your child discloses they have been sexually harmed by another child or young person, firstly, try to remain calm.

The child or young person who caused the harm may be a sibling, friend or relative, and it may have been difficult for your child to speak up about the abuse. Getting upset, angry or making threats toward the perpetrator may scare your child and prevent them from talking about it any further. Instead, try as best as you can to follow these steps:

• Listen: Pay attention to what they are saying. Allow them to share what they are comfortable with in their own words. Try not to ask leading questions or force them to talk.
• Affirm: Tell them you believe them and it’s not their fault.
• Support: Help them to cope with their feelings. Do what you can to reassure them, but do not make promises that you may not be able to keep.
• Safety: Let them know you will do all you can to help, including telling someone who can help. Though this may upset them, it is very important that you act in the child’s best interest.
• Document: Write down as much as you can of what they told you, using their own words as best as you can.
• Report: Report their disclosure as soon as practically possible to the relevant authorities. If you feel unsure about making a report because the child or young person who caused the harm is a family member or friend, you can reach out to Bravehearts for guidance.

REMEMBER you are not alone – Bravehearts is here to help. If you are unsure about what to do, contact Bravehearts’ Information and Support Line on 1800 272 831 or email us at bisl@bravehearts.org.au.

1) Hackett, S. (2014) Children and young people with harmful sexual behaviours. London: Research in Practice. 2) Haslam, D.M., Mathews, B., Pacella, R.E., Scott, J.G., Finkelhor, D., Higgins, D.J., Meinck, F., Erskine, H.E., Thomas, H.J., Lawrence, D., & Malacova, E. (2023). The prevalence of child maltreatment in Australia: Findings from a national survey: Brief Report. Australian Child Maltreatment Study, Queensland University of Technology