We do not know the true number of children and young people affected by harmful sexual behaviour (HSB). HSB covers a wide range of behaviours, many of which do not come to the attention of authorities. However, some attempts to estimate the prevalence of HSB have been made using data from children’s self-reported experiences of sexual abuse by other children and services which work with children who display HSB.
From this research we can estimate that around a third of child sexual abuse is by other children and young people.
This briefing looks at what data and statistics are available about HSB to help professionals, and the organisations they work for, make evidence-based decisions.
Statistics can help people and the organisations they work for make evidence-based decisions about how best to meet the needs of children. Our series of briefings looks at what available data can tell us about child abuse and neglect.
References
Provides learning for professionals around responding appropriately to children and young people who have displayed HSB or been impacted by it and assessing their needs.
Framework to help local areas develop and improve multi-agency responses to children displaying harmful sexual behaviours (HSB). Developed by the NSPCC, Research in Practice and Professor Simon Hackett.
Our factsheet explores issues to consider when looking at service data, self-report data, trends and statistics across different areas in relation to child abuse.
