A comprehensive updated guide, now available for Island parents, caregivers and professionals, will help with ongoing efforts to prevent child sexual abuse, says Valerie E. Docherty, Minister of Community Services and Seniors.
“We are very pleased to offer this important resource for parents, caregivers and professionals,” said Minister Docherty. “This guide provides information to help determine whether a child’s behaviour is normal and healthy, or a sign that something may be wrong.”
The resource, Children’s Sexual Behaviours: A Parent’s Guide is a companion to the recently updated and expanded Child Sexual Abuse Protocol, which delivers guidelines and procedures for a coordinated response to child sexual abuse in Prince Edward Island.
Lindy Affleck, the province's Sexual Deviance Clinician and member of the Provincial Child Sexual Abuse Advisory Committee, chaired the subcommittee that updated the guide.
“The guide is updated with recent expert literature on children’s sexual behaviours,” said Ms. Affleck. “We hope it will contribute to greater understanding by parents and to community well-being.”
This guide is an updated and expanded version of the guide first published in 2001. New components include the following:
▸ Charts developed by an expert in child sexual abuse, listing the types of behaviours that are natural and healthy for an age group, behaviours of concern, and those requiring consultation with a professional.
▸ Section on responding to children's sexual behaviour to provide advice for parents and caregivers who may feel uncomfortable if they discover their child engaging in sexual behaviour.
The guide is available in English and French from Island Information Service, or can be downloaded from gov.pe.ca/csa.