Family Advocacy Program

Classes and Workshops

Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Child & Youth

Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Child & Youth (PSBCY) refers to behaviors initiated by children and youth under the age of 18 that involve sexual body parts (genitals, anus, buttocks, or breasts) in a manner that deviates from normative or typical sexual behavior and are developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to the individual initiating the behavior, the individual(s) impacted by the behavior or others.

Sexual behaviors initiated by a child or youth under the age of 18 are more likely to deviate from normative or typical sexual behavior and be developmentally inappropriate and/or potentially harmful when they are characterized by one or more of the following:

• Occur at a higher frequency than is typical given the child’s or youth’s age and development.
• Are preoccupying or are a greater focus of the child’s or youth’s interactions and interests than other behaviors.
• Interfere with the child’s or youth’s social development and/or general functioning.
• Do not respond to caregiver or other adult intervention.
• Involve sexual knowledge, language and/or behaviors that are inappropriate for the child’s or youth’s chronological or developmental age.
• Include aggression, force, threats, or coercion.
• Include intrusive sexual behavior, such as penetration.
• Are deliberative rather than spontaneous or exploratory in nature.
• Include alcohol or other mind-altering substances.
• Involve aggressive or violent pornography.
• Engender strong upset feelings in any other child or youth involved in the behaviors.
• Are non-mutual.

Problematic sexual behavior usually takes place when a child feels anxious or angry, is reacting to a traumatic experience, is overly curious after seeing sexual materials, is seeking attention, is trying to imitate others, or is merely trying to calm him or herself.

Parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals should approach problematic sexual behaviors with sensitivity and address them in a supportive and non-punitive manner. If concerns arise about a child's or youth's sexual behaviors, it is advisable to seek guidance from your local Family Advocacy Program, or other relevant authorities to assess the behaviors and provide appropriate interventions. Early intervention and support are crucial in addressing PSBCY and ensuring the well-being of the child or youth involved.

Contact your local Family Advocate for more information, support, and counseling.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is the use, attempted use, or threatened use of force or violence against an intimate partner. It is also a pattern of behavior that results in the emotional abuse, economic control, or interference with personal liberty that is directed towards an intimate partner. An intimate partner is a current or former spouse, a person with whom the abuser shares a child or common domicile, or a person who is in a romantic relationship with the abuser.

Examples of domestic abuse include, but are not limited to, taking your cell phone or keys, not allowing you to leave a location, controlling what you wear or who you speak to, limiting your access to money, name calling, pushing, hitting, sexual contact without your consent.

Reporting Options

Reporting Instructions

1. Unrestricted
   A person who has experienced domestic abuse who wants to pursue an official investigation of an incident should report to their chain of command, the Family Advocacy Program (FAP), or law enforcement. Following an unrestricted report this person has access to medical care, counseling, FAP advocacy, and other supportive services. All reports of child abuse are unrestricted reports.
2. Restricted
   Restricted reporting allows an adult who has experienced or is experiencing domestic abuse to disclose the details of their abuse and receive medial care, counseling, and FAP advocacy without command or law enforcement involvement. Those electing to make a restricted report must report the abuse to a FAP clinician, FAP advocate, and in some states a DoD healthcare provider. Reporting to anyone not listed may result in an unrestricted report. A restricted report can be unrestricted later by the person who elected it. An unrestricted report cannot be restricted later.