Working with Problem Sexualised Behaviour Jack Miers & Di Calderbank Galileo House (SASS)

WARNING! The topic we are covering is particularly disturbing. No one likes to talk or hear about problem sexual behaviour in children. But being aware of it is vital if we are to protect children. The topic we are covering is particularly disturbing. No one likes to talk or hear about problem sexual behaviour in children. But being aware of it is vital if we are to protect children. Please remember to take care of yourself and talk to someone if you find the content of this workshop particularly disturbing. Please remember to take care of yourself and talk to someone if you find the content of this workshop particularly disturbing.

Why talk about Problem Sexualised Behaviour? Since 2001 SASS has noted a marked increase in the number of clients presenting with sexual behaviour problems Since 2001 SASS has noted a marked increase in the number of clients presenting with sexual behaviour problems Catching the behaviours early and organising appropriate intervention is key to helping both the Child with the problem behaviour and any other children affected Catching the behaviours early and organising appropriate intervention is key to helping both the Child with the problem behaviour and any other children affected

What is PSB? Sexual behaviour becomes a problem for the child when it interferes with social, cognitive, emotional and/or physical development Sexual behaviour becomes a problem for the child when it interferes with social, cognitive, emotional and/or physical development It is a problem for others when it is not age appropriate and/or involves some coercion It is a problem for others when it is not age appropriate and/or involves some coercion

Why does it happen? PSB a coping mechanism for controlling emotions PSB a coping mechanism for controlling emotions A result of some kind of trauma; A result of some kind of trauma; –Sexual Abuse –Exposure to pornography –Exposure to other PSB affected children –Domestic Violence –Sexualised environments

Examples 4 Kindergarten aged boys 4 Kindergarten aged boys –View Pornography –Assault a classmate 8 year old Girl 8 year old Girl –Sexually Assaulted –Simulates sex with other children and asks to perform oral sex

Examples (cont.) 12 yr old boy 12 yr old boy –Older brother displays PSB –Forced two 8 y.o. girls to perform oral sex on him

Working with the child with the behaviour (Phases of intervention) Empathy Building, Learning & Creating Change Relationship Building/ Containing the behaviour

Strategies Psycho/social-education on trauma/trauma responses Psycho/social-education on trauma/trauma responses CBT (‘Walking it out’) CBT (‘Walking it out’) –Walking through the problem to understand it and find healthy alternatives Emotional Expression (Trauma/Feelings Work) Emotional Expression (Trauma/Feelings Work) –Sand Tray –Physical Activity Ongoing work with the parents/carers Ongoing work with the parents/carers

Psycho-Education FEEL DO THINK At First: FEEL  DO At First: FEEL  DO Through Counselling: FEEL  THINK  DO Through Counselling: FEEL  THINK  DO

Steps to Safety

Walking it through

DO’s Establish Safety Establish Safety –Intervene Immediately and stop the behaviour. (Early intervention is best) –Remain Calm and have a non blaming approach and separate behaviour from the child. –Teach children touching rules and protective behaviours. – Let them know they can ask for help.

Do’s Redirect Redirect –Explain to child why the behaviour is not O.K. – Allow child to talk openly about what happened. –Introduce enjoyable/relaxing activity

Do’s Education/Boundary Setting Education/Boundary Setting –Teach touching rules/protective behaviours – Teach children alternate ways to express emotions. – Explain to child that their play with other children will be supervised.

DO’s Get Support Get Support –Acknowledge this is a difficult situation – Develop list of safe people you and child can speak to –Contact counselling services (SASS)

DON’TS Shame Shame – Don’t deal with situation in public – Don’t blame/threaten the child – Don’t label the child a molester or sex offender Don’t ignore, cover up or over react to the behaviour Don’t ignore, cover up or over react to the behaviour Don’t make promises you cannot keep Don’t make promises you cannot keep

Thank You For Listening! Galileo House Child and Youth Trauma Recovery Center (Formerly SASS Child and Adolescent Service) Galileo House Child and Youth Trauma Recovery Center (Formerly SASS Child and Adolescent Service) Ph: Ph: Federal St Nth Hobart 73 Federal St Nth Hobart We see children with Problem Sexualised Behaviour up to the age of 12 We see children with Problem Sexualised Behaviour up to the age of 12