Implementation status of Volume 10 recommendations directed at the Victorian Government
In this volume, the Royal Commission considered the complex issues surrounding harmful sexual behaviours in children and made recommendations to better recognise, prevent and appropriately respond to such behaviours.
The Victorian Government has trauma-informed and child-centric initiatives in place that aim to prevent harmful sexual behaviours from occurring, to provide early intervention services should these behaviours emerge and to intervene appropriately if they do occur.
The Victorian Government continues to provide guidance to schools on harmful sexual behaviours via the PROTECT website. The guidance is for all Victorian school staff on actions to take if they suspect or witness student sexual offending.
The Victorian Government is working closely with the National Office for Child Safety to progress action items under Priority Theme 3 of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021–2030 (National Strategy) – ‘Enhancing national approaches to children with harmful sexual behaviours’. This includes establishing national standards for responding to, supporting and safeguarding children with harmful sexual behaviours, and increasing workforce capability to respond appropriately. Throughout 2022, Victoria has contributed to the development of these national standards and a clinical framework for addressing harmful sexual behaviours as part of the National Strategy.
CEASE Standards of Practice
The CEASE Standards of Practice for Problem Sexual Behaviours and Sexually Abusive Behaviour Treatment Programs (CEASE Standards of Practice) are a set of common standards to guide workers in organisations providing treatment for children and young people with problematic sexual behaviour and sexually abusive behaviours to enable informed, inclusive, and accessible service delivery. The CEASE Standards of Practice were developed by CEASE, the Victorian peak body representing Victorian Government-funded organisations providing treatment services for children and young people with problematic sexual behaviour and sexually abusive behaviours.
Sexually Abusive Behaviours Treatment Services practitioners are informed by the CEASE Standards of Practice, which are in broad alignment with Royal Commission recommendations. Sexual Assault Services Victoria has commenced reviewing the CEASE Standards of Practice, and as part of this review, will consider how they can more closely align with Royal Commission recommendations.
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