Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a public health issue that has devastating health and social impacts for victims. While public awareness tends to focus on perpetration of abuse by adults, CSA can also be carried out by other children and young people. In fact, harmful sexual behaviour by young people is the fastest growing form of sexual abuse in Australia and, according to the Australian Child Maltreatment Study, accounts for 50% of all CSA.

While a service for adults has been developed (Stop It Now! Australia), there is no online early intervention service in Australia to work with young people worried about their sexual thoughts and behaviours. Often times, these thoughts and behaviours towards a younger child commence during adolescents. The absence of such a service is particularly pertinent when we consider the growing prevalence of harmful sexual behaviours by young people. Jesuit Social Services has collaborated with the University of Melbourne and Gatehouse at the Royal Children‘s Hospital to co-design an online early intervention service for young people who have engaged in (or are at risk of engaging in such behaviours).

This presentation will provide some illustration of the growing problem of harmful sexual behaviours among children and young people introducing The Worried About Sex and Pornography Project (WASAPP), sharing research findings, consultation and an overview of a new service approach.

Specifically, the presentation will share insights from young people into what could have prevented their engagement in harmful sexual behaviour in the first instance, and/or reduced the likelihood of continuation of harm and instead lead respectful, responsible and fulfilling lives free from harmful sexual behaviours.

The presentation will also highlight the importance in understanding how young people who are worried about their sexual thoughts and behaviours seek help, as well as barriers and enablers to this help-seeking. This nuanced information has influenced service development and delivery.