Child Sexual Abuse and Psychology

The APS Position Statement on Child Sexual Abuse and Psychology outlines the Society’s commitment to supporting efforts to prevent child sexual abuse, working with people who have experienced child sexual abuse, working constructively with those who have committed or been charged with criminal offences, and increasing child safety. These efforts are central to the APS mission, values and ethics and involve applying knowledge from many areas of psychological research and practice.

The harm that child sexual abuse can cause is a critical issue of concern for psychologists who play an important role in assisting and treating people who have experienced, committed or been exposed to child sexual abuse, and also members of their family who may also be adversely affected.

The APS strongly affirms the need for the highest quality evidence-based services to be provided and for members to uphold the highest level of professionalism and ethical standards. The APS is aware of its responsibilities as an organisation to ensure that all of its members contribute to reducing the incidence of, and harm resulting from, child sexual abuse.

View position statement