Sexual Behavior Problems: Keeping All Children Safe
Protecting other children is an important concern when dealing with children who have sexual
behavior problems, particularly if they have acted out with other children in the past. Children who
have had sexual behavior problems typically can attend school and otherwise interact with other
children as long as they:
Receive treatment for their sexual behavior problems
■
Have appropriate supervision in the school setting, such as direct supervision by an adult
■
during unstructured times like recess or lunch
In such cases, direct communication between the family, the therapist, and school personnel is
important, so that a safety or supervision plan can be developed as needed.
Children who have sexually acted out with their siblings present a unique challenge for parents
and therapists. Children who have experienced problematic sexual behaviors at the hands of their
brothers or sisters can have a wide range of responses. Sexual behavior that was threatening,
aggressive, or painful can have a profound negative effect on other children. Other factors that
may increase the traumatic effect of sexual abuse by a sibling include:
The length of time that the behaviors took place (sexual behaviors that occur over a
■
longer period of time are more problematic)
How many times the behaviors happened
■
The type and closeness of the relationship among the children
■
How well the child was functioning before the sexual interaction (children who were
■
doing poorly before the sexual behaviors are more likely to be negatively affected)
The response and support received from parents or other caregivers
■
Some children who experience sexual abuse show almost no reaction or trauma symptoms,
while others may experience reactions such as nightmares, a heightened startle response, and
avoidance of the sibling or anything that reminds them of the event. Still others develop symptoms
of depression, anxiety (such as difficulty in separating from parents), behavior problems, social and
peer problems, or even inappropriate sexual behaviors themselves.