• To understand the importance of language when talking about this topic area
• To have an understanding of the functions of children’s problematic sexual behaviour.
• To understand the key messages from the research that has been conducted in this field
• To understand how to support a child who has displayed problematic sexual behaviour
• To understand how to take a safety-first approach to responding to harmful sexual behaviour

This session will provide an opportunity for participants to explore the often-misunderstood topic area of harmful and problematic sexual behaviour. Starting with an overview, the session will then explore what some of the research in this field tells us, as well as outlining what is normal versus abnormal sexual behaviour in children. Participants will then be supported to think about why a child might engage in such behaviours before finally looking at treatment and support strategies. 

For those who are new to this topic area it will provide you with an overview sufficient to support you to begin making informed and intentional decisions when confronted by a young person’s problematic sexual behaviour. For others, who may have experience in this area, the training will support you to deepen your understanding and perhaps challenge some the preconceptions you hold about problematic sexual behaviour.