Harmful Sexual Behaviour – new support service for professionals

9 February 2022

In June 2021 Ofsted concluded that the prevalence of child-on-child sexual harassment and abuse was so widespread that, for some, incidents are ‘so commonplace that they see no point in reporting them’ and ‘consider them normal’.  SWGfL and The Marie Collins Foundation has created a support service for professionals working with children and young people in tackling harmful sexual behaviours, funded by the Home Office and in collaboration with the Department for Education.  The support service is available for anyone in England working with children and young people, particularly, designated safeguarding leads within primary and secondary schools and alternative provision.  Support is also available to early years provision, colleges and wider safeguarding professionals (including police, social workers and health care professionals).  If children within your care have been displaying or are affected by specific incidents of Harmful Sexual Behaviour, the support service can provide initial support and signpost to further resources and advice.

Further details about the sup[port service offered by SWGfL can be found at Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service,  The service is available 8am - 8pm Monday – Friday, Call SWGfL practitioners on 0344 2250623 or Email hsbsupport@swgfl.org.uk

Local guidance/procedures on responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviour can be found at - Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) (proceduresonline.com)