How can I respond safely and supportively?
How you respond to problematic and harmful sexual behaviour (PHSB) can make a significant difference to the safety, wellbeing and recovery of everyone involved.
Many people worry about saying the wrong thing or making the situation worse. However, you don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers.
Having clear information about possible next steps can help reduce harm, promote safety, and ensure that children, young people and families receive the support they need.
How this collection helps
If you think there is no immediate safety risk, or if you would like to feel more prepared to respond to PHSB, these resources provide guidance on assessment, safety planning and supporting recovery.
You'll find information about:
working with children and young people who have displayed PHSB
supporting children and young people who have been harmed
engaging parents and carers to build family-focused responses
providing support to children and young people in specific communities
promoting safety and wellbeing for all children, young people and adults involved.
The resources include practical guidance on what to say, actions you may wish to consider, and when to seek additional advice or specialist support.
Resources for people working with children and young people
Information and tools for assessing concerns, safety planning, and responding supportively to PHSB.
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Resources for supporting children and young people who have been harmed
Guidance on supporting safety, recovery and wellbeing after harm has occurred.
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Resources for sharing with parents and carers
Practical guidance to help parents and carers understand concerns, support their child and access help when needed.
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Tailored for specific communities
Resources developed for and with diverse communities to support culturally safe, inclusive and accessible approaches.
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More responding resources
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Not a practitioner?
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.