Understanding Sexual Behaviour in the under 12’s NOTA N.I. CONFERENCE CHILD CARE CENTRE Anne Morrison

THE CHILD CARE CENTRE SERVICES OFFERED  Investigation and treatment of sexual abuse (children 3 – 13 years) Consultation Training

Terminology Sexually aggressive children Sexual offenders Children who molest Sexually precocious children Child Perpetrators Sexually Inappropriate Behaviour Sexualised Children

Terminology Healthy Problematic Harmful

Attitudes Minimising Punitive Dismissive Fearful

Responses Ignore Isolate Punish Reject Over-React Over-Supervise

Children with sexual behaviour problems represent a diverse group. The behaviours are on a continuum from self-stimulation through to sexually aggressive children who are intrusive and coercive

Normal Sexual Development Normal developmental sequencing of the acquisition of sexual behaviour has been described as: beginning with interest and attention to elimination functions, progressing to an awareness of sexual body parts, including masturbation in pre-school children.

Normal sexual development - exploration that occurs spontaneously - intermittent - non coercive - does not cause emotional distress - not a pre-occupation - not involve advanced sexual behaviour - usually responds to normal correction from adults

Harmful sexual behaviour - more adult-type sexual behaviour - can involve aggression, coercion, force - is associated with distress in child/other children - secrecy elements - may be age or developmental inequality - can be persistent

Impact of Social Media ?

Children with sexual behaviour problems are not “sex offenders”. They should not be compared with adult offenders.

These children are different in a number of ways - Limited Cognitive Development More likely to engage in impulsive sexual activity Intentions and motivations are different Behaviour may be related to curiosity, anxiety, imitation, attention-seeking, self-calming

Why do children engage is sexually problematic behaviour? Some years ago it was believed that children who demonstrated this behaviour had been sexually abused themselves. A definite link exists but not all children presenting with such behaviour have experienced sexual abuse.

Research indicates contributing factors – - physical abuse - neglect - living in highly sexualised environment - family nudity - domestic violence - exposure to sexually explicit media - part of a pattern of disruptive behavioural problems - direct sexual abuse

What is clear is children with sexual behaviour problems have significant emotional and behavioural difficulties.

2013 Referrals = 76 Referrals

Gender – Total 76

Total Referrals

Presentation - Investigation

Presentation - Therapy

Outcomes - Explicit

Outcomes – No Behaviours

For children who have experienced sexual abuse addressing their sexually problematic behaviour is one part of a treatment strategy

Challenge for Professionals To recognise harmful or dangerous behaviours without minimising them. Avoid identifying and labelling age appropriate behaviours as deviant or warranting punishment. Offer appropriate intervention.