Understanding and Responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviours Training Modules

ABOUT THE
PROJECT

Our training modules are designed to help you build workforce knowledge, capacity and skills in identifying and responding to harmful sexual behaviours in children and young people.

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WANT TO
JOIN?

Teachers, educators and leaders can access these free, self-paced modules anytime within 21 days. It takes 6–8 hours to complete, and you’ll receive a downloadable certificate upon completion.

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OUR
PARTNERS

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation and Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) co-designed the modules with the Australian Centre of Child Protection (ACCP).
Committed to Keeping Kids Safe

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

These modules have been co-developed with teachers and school leaders in conjunction with the Australian Centre of Child Protection (ACCP) at the University of South Australia. The ACCP is Australia’s premier research centre for the prevention of child abuse and neglect, leading a public health approach to child protection research.  

Discover more about the ACCP 

This development has been in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse which found, in part, an urgent need for the development of primary and secondary prevention strategies to ensure accurate understanding of harmful sexual behaviours and provision of early intervention. A further recommendation emphasised the need for wider availability of relevant training for individuals working in roles related to harmful sexual behaviours in children and young people. 

Information is provided below that is relevant to familiarise yourself with before beginning the modules, especially on support services and access to relevant documentation in the SharePoint Folder. As noted below, the topic of harmful sexual behaviour can bring about a variety of personal and emotive reactions, and it is important to take care of yourself throughout the modules and be aware of where you are able to seek support if required.

WANT TO JOIN?

  • Learners have 21 days to complete the modules
  • These are self-paced modules, estimated to take 6-8 hours in total to complete
  • Learners can sign in and out of the modules as many times as needed
  • Course access will expire 21 days after your first day commencing the modules
  • Upon completing the modules, certificates are available for self-download.

Access and Eligibility 

  • Free access is currently available to all educators and leadership.
Register for Teacher/Educator Training
Register for Leadership Training
Module List
Core training
Understanding Harmful Sexual Behaviour
Enhancing Responses to HSB Course Welcome 
Understanding Sexual Development 
What are Harmful Sexual Behaviours?
Values, Beliefs, Myths and Biases
Why do Harmful Sexual Behaviours develop?
The Impact of HSBS
Language Matters
Recognising Harmful Sexual Behaviour
The Layered Continuum for Understanding HSB
Witnessing Incidents of Harmful Sexual Behaviours
Receiving a Disclosure of Harmful Sexual Behaviours
Responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviour
Roles and Responsibilities 
Responding Across the Continuum 
Rules and Boundaries 
Sustainability and Reflective Practice 
How to have Conversations about HSB with Children and Parents 
Support Strategies for Children in the Classroom 
Leadership training
Understanding Harmful Sexual Behaviour
Enhancing Responses to HSB Leadership & MH Practitioners Training
Roles and responsibilities
Additional HSB Considerations in the Educational Environment
Responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviours
Enhancing Safety
Responding to and Supporting to Parents
Responding to and Supporting to Staff
Quiz on Modules 1, 2 & 3
Managing Information Sharing
Multi-Agency Responses

PARTNERS

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation is proud to partner with the Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP) and Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA), working closely with teachers and school leaders to bring this project to life.

These training modules have been co-designed with direct input from teachers and school leaders, alongside experts from the ACCP, Australia’s leading research centre dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. This collaborative approach ensures the content is grounded in both evidence and the realities of school settings.

Developed in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the modules address the urgent need for accurate understanding, early intervention, and wider access to training around harmful sexual behaviours in children and young people.

With the support of ACCP, CEWA, and the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, this initiative delivers high-quality, accessible education while prioritising learner wellbeing and access to support.

Sensitive Content Notice
These training modules include discussion of child abuse, maltreatment and harmful sexual behaviours. Some content draws on real-world experiences of children, young people, families, and practitioners.

Please take care while engaging with this material. If you find any of the content distressing or feel you would benefit from support, you can contact:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 for 24-hour crisis support
  • Blue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service: 1300 657 380 for support relating to complex trauma and abuse

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call Police on 000.