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SASS (HSB) worker in every Victorian School

Proposal Summary

We need a specialist response in schools to student-to-student sexual abuse and harm that intervenes early and supports survivors.

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A significant proportion of sexual harm experienced by children and young people is from other children and young people, in schools and online. Many of the children and young people causing sexual harm have themselves experienced sexual or family violence or other adverse child events, or been exposed to pornography. Studies find that between 30 and 60 percent of all child sexual abuse is by a child or young person. SASVic says that specialist sexual assault services in Victoria are receiving calls almost every day for help to respond. By funding an expert to respond to behaviour that isn't deemed as 'serious' and intervening earlier in behaviour, as well as responding well to survivors, could make a huge difference.