Principles for intervention

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Sexually abused children and their families may require assistance from child protection services, the criminal justice system and counseling and support services. No one group can totally meet the needs of the sexually abused child. Effective intervention must be child-centred, involve multi-disciplinary teamwork and be guided by the following principles:

• Child sexual abuse is unacceptable
• All children have a right to be safe and protected from sexual abuse
• Child sexual abuse is a criminal act
• A child should always be taken seriously if they allege sexual abuse
• Intervention should aim to promote the relationship between the child and the non-abusing parent(s)
• Children who have experienced sexual abuse have the right and need to be in a safe supportive environment. They also have the right to legal and protective intervention and to counselling and treatment services
• The first priority of intervention should always be to protect the child and to promote their recovery.

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Department of Human Services

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 25 May 2010