What is it.
Problematic sexual behaviour occurs when children aged 12 and younger engage in sexual actions that are not typical for their age and are developmentally inappropriate. These actions can potentially harm themselves or others.
This practice brief provided an overview of problematic sexual behaviour and offered considerations for a multidisciplinary response within the CYAC context. It highlighted trends observed by practitioners embedded in or partnered with CYACs in Canada. It also explored risk and protective factors associated with problematic sexual behavior, offering considerations for CYACs to identify and respond effectively. Additionally, it provided resources for both families and professionals.
How can it help me?
Families often experience distress due to stigma surrounding problematic sexual behaviour. Stigmatization, stress, fear, and social judgement can create significant barriers for families to access services. While problematic sexual behaviours can be addressed within a short period of time, community supports are often limited.
CYACs are well-equipped to provide a comprehensive and collaborative response.
Within CYACs, multidisciplinary team (MDT) partners play a primary role in identifying when sexual behaviours shift from developmentally normal to problematic, safety planning, and assessing behaviours through a therapeutic lens rather than an investigative one. The MDT also works to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to these behaviours. MDTs play a core role in identifying when sexual behaviors shift from developmentally typical to problematic, implementing safety planning, and assessing behaviors through a therapeutic lens rather than an investigative one. They also work to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to these behaviors.
