Impacts of harmful sexual behaviour on the child, their carers and others: for carers
This resource outlines the impacts of harmful sexual behaviour on carers, the child who displayed the behaviour and children who experienced or witnessed it, including sibling harm.
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Hosted on https://moodle.communities.wa.gov.au/file.php/1/PublicCourses/HSB/index.html • Opens in a new tab
How this resource can help
Use this resource to
Share with carers of children in out-of-home care, or parents and carers of children more generally
Download the posters for a quick visual summary of the impacts discussed in this resource, or use them to support conversations with carers
It covers
Impacts of harmful sexual behaviour on carers
Impacts on the child who displayed the behaviour
Impacts on children who experienced or witnessed the behaviour
Specific impacts of harmful sibling sexual behaviour
More information
This resource is part of a suite of modules developed by the Australian Centre for Child Protection (University of South Australia) with funding from the Western Australian Department of Communities. You can view all modules via this link.
Open this resource
Hosted on https://moodle.communities.wa.gov.au/file.php/1/PublicCourses/HSB/index.html • Opens in a new tab
If you are a carer
You’re in the right place. This resource is for you – it can help you understand the potential impact of harmful sexual behaviour on you and those around you. If you’re worried about something specific, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Last reviewed by Together We Can: 07 July 2026
What is problematic and harmful sexual behaviour
Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour affects children, families, and communities. Understanding it clearly is the first step toward effective prevention, recognition, and response.
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Parents and carers
If you’re a parent or carer seeking information or worrying about a behaviour, you're not alone. Find resources to help you understand child sexual development, support safety, and respond to concerns about sexual behaviour.
Children and young people
It’s normal to have questions about your body, feelings, sex and relationships. If you’re a young person looking for information – head here. We’ve got information just for you.