The launch of a new joint strategy to tackle problematic and harmful sexual behaviour has brought together organisations from across Staffordshire.
Staffordshire Police, the NSPCC, the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office, voluntary groups and Staffordshire County Council have teamed up for the initiative.
The strategy aims to prevent problematic and harmful sexual behaviours through early identification and an effective response to those people displaying them.
Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner Helen Fisher said:
“Children and young people who are impacted by problematic and harmful sexual behaviour must be protected and supported.
“This is why it is vital they have access to clear, age-appropriate information to help them understand what problematic and harmful sexual behaviours are, and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or anyone they know.
“This new strategy also aims to ensure that professionals, parents and carers are able to recognise the signs of harmful sexual behaviour, and know where to seek support if they have concerns for a child.”
Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner Helen Fisher
As part of the strategy, the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office has commissioned the NSPCC to develop a two-year project to tackle harmful sexual behaviours.
Activities include providing all schools with an e-learning package about managing sexualised behaviour and providing a range of organisations who work with children and young people a package of materials about online safety.
There will also be workshops for foster carers and awareness training for professionals in the sector.
Jennie Hammond, development manager for the NSPCC, said:
“We’ve worked with organisations across Staffordshire to help them understand problematic and harmful sexual behaviour so that they’re more confident in identifying it, responding to it and ultimately keeping children safe.”
Jennie Hammond, NSPCC
The full strategy is available online.
