Australian Catholic staff experiences with and responses to harmful sexual behaviour

Abstract

While there is some research on teachers' experiences with and responses to harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), there is no known research within Catholic Education settings. This research explored Western Australian Catholic education staffs' understanding, experiences, and response to HSB. Seventy-one Catholic education staff answered an online survey. Findings indicate that overall, participants had a sound understanding of HSB and were mainly observing students with sexual knowledge above their age/developmental level. Several students engaging in HSB had a diagnosed disability/disorder or were living in adversity. Staffs' primary prevention responses included prevention education and utilising the child protection policy. Staff identified safeguarding practices that could be enhanced, including the development of specific policy and guidelines to identify and respond to HSB. Primary and secondary responses that create social conditions that challenge HSB, promote healthy attitudes and interactions, and support the development of a safe physical, social, and emotionally supportive environment are discussed. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT This research provides insight into current practices and needs for Catholic Education staff to identify and respond to HSB in educational settings. Further research is underway to co-design core training modules for staff working in Catholic Education settings and extension training modules for leadership and school mental health staff. Additionally, it has contributed to the codesign of resources for parents of children displaying HSB, parents of children impacted by HSB and the wider parental community.