Harmful sexual behaviour

Sexual behaviours expressed by children and young people under the age of 18 that are developmentally inappropriate, may be harmful towards themselves or others, and can be abusive. The behaviours can take place both in person and online and, in some cases, may be classified as peer-on-peer abuse. 

Children’s sexual behaviour exists on a wide continuum and when it is problematic, abusive or violent, this can be developmentally damaging for the child displaying the behaviour and can victimise others.

These harmful sexual behaviours may also be a symptom of either the children’s own abuse or exposure to abusive practices and/or materials.

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