Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) within a familial context presents a particularly complex challenge for therapists and front-line workers, demanding careful consideration between safety, trauma, attachment and family systems. This paper will review the critical role of interagency collaboration in managing risk, supporting the victims of harmful sexual behaviours, addressing the complex dynamics of family-based HSB, whilst not losing sight of the needs of the person who caused the harm. In such cases where the person harmed, and the person who caused harm reside together forcing clinicians and service systems to ask : Can restoration occur safely within the family context, or does intervention require a relational rupture?
This paper will draw upon current research and frontline practice examining how protective responses can align with therapeutic goals to ensure safety while preserving opportunities for preserving the family unit.

The paper will explore
• The prevalence and complexity of HSB within Families
• Understanding HSB in Family Contexts
• Risk, Safety and Protective Responses
• Therapeutic Interventions and the role of Restorative Justice pathways
• Interagency Collaborations
• Case Studies
• Practice Implications
The presentation will explore the tensions between therapeutic goals and statutory requirements, the risks of premature reunification, and some of the pitfalls associated with family-based interventions. The case studies will reflect practice-based reflections and learnings, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk assessment, clinical supervision and multiagency collaboration and communication.

The presentation will hopefully advocate for the thoughtful, balanced interventions that acknowledge the development needs of all children involved – whilst still prioritising safety without defaulting to unnecessary family fragmentation.