CHARACTERISTICS OF HARMFUL SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR IN CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

An imbalance of power, maturity and age between the children

Use of threats, coercion or force

Lack of consent

Behaviour that is normally acceptable, but in the context becomes unacceptable

A not insignificant amount of secrecy and/or planning

Behaviour escalates despite attempts to stop it

The person exposed to harmful sexual behaviour displaying negative emotions like fear and anger, potentially having an outburst or closing off