DEFINITIONS: Types of Child Safe Incidents

Sexual Offence

The term ‘sexual offence’ encompasses all criminal offences in the jurisdiction involving a sexual element that are ‘committed against, with or in the presence of a child’ or adult. Examples include sexual assault; indecent acts; ‘grooming’ a child; and production, dissemination or possession of child abuse material.

Sexual Misconduct

Any conduct with, towards or in the presence of a child that is sexual in nature other than a sexual offence.

Neglect / Significant Neglect

A significant, deliberate or reckless failure to meet the basic needs of a child in circumstances where the adult understood the needs of the child, or could have understood those needs if they had turned their mind to the question, and had the opportunity to meet those needs but failed to do so.

Psychological or Emotional Harm

When an adult associated with the child repeatedly rejects, isolates or frightens (by threats) the child, or through the child witnessing family violence. Emotional abuse also includes hostility, derogatory name-calling and put-downs, or persistent coldness from a person, to the extent that the child suffers, or is likely to suffer, significant or serious emotional or psychological harm.

Assault / Physical Violence

Any act by which a person intentionally or recklessly inflicts unjustified use of physical force against a child or vulnerable adult, or against another person in the presence of a child. For example, hitting, punching, kicking, pushing or throwing something that strikes a child or another person.

Failure to Protect

Where there is a substantial risk that a child under the age of 16 under the care, supervision or authority of a relevant organisation will become a victim of a sexual offence committed by an adult associated with that organisation, and a person in a position of authority in the organisation know of the risk and have the power or responsibility to reduce or remove the risk, but negligently fail to do so.

Failure to Disclose/Report

Where an adult forms a reasonable belief that a sexual offence has been committed against a child by another adult, and fails to report/disclose this to the police, without a reasonable excuse.

Grooming

Grooming is when a person engages in predatory conduct to prepare a child or young person for sexual activity at a later time. Grooming can include communicating or attempting to befriend or establish a relationship or other emotional connection with the child or their parent or carer.

Problematic Sexualised Behaviour (peer to peer) – Orange and Red

Red light sexual behaviours are those that are problematic or harmful, forceful, secretive, compulsive, coercive or degrading. These behaviours signal the need to provide immediate protection and follow up support. Orange light sexual behaviours are those that are outside normal behaviour in terms of persistence, frequency or inequality in age, power or ability. These behaviours signal the need to monitor and provide extra support.

Sexualised Behaviour (peer to peer) – Green

Green light sexual behaviours are those that are normal, age-appropriate, spontaneous, curious, mutual, light-hearted and easily diverted experimentation. These behaviours provide opportunities to talk, explain and support.

Bullying (child to child)

The repeated and intentional behaviour of causing fear, distress or harm towards another person that involves an imbalance of power.

Breach of the Child Safety Codes of Conduct

An act or actions that do not comply with the school’s Code of Conduct.

Self-Harm

When someone deliberately hurts or injures themselves.

Sexual Imaging / Sexting / Pornography (child to child)

Sending or posting of provocative or sexual photos, messages or videos online.

Inappropriate and overly personal contact by staff with students

E.g. Texting, connecting through social media, spending more time with a child without reason, sharing and communicating overly personal information not relevant to school work.

Inappropriate and overly personal contact by students with staff

E.g. flirtatious behaviour.