Trauma-responsive sexual health education for young survivors

Investigators

Associate Professor Tim Moore, Dr Mary Ann Powell (Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University); Associate Professor Jodi Death, Dr Kelsey Adams (Queensland University of Technology); Leesa Waters, Jaci Webb, Oliver White (National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect)

Funding

National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse

Aims

• Develop trauma-responsive sexual health and relationship education for young survivors
• Co-create tools for schools and youth services to implement survivor-aware programs
• Foster collaboration between young survivors and experts to design effective educational frameworks

Background

Survivors of child sexual abuse often face higher risks in sexual health, relationships, and future parenting. Existing sexual health programs rarely address their specific needs or apply trauma-informed practices, leaving young survivors without supportive resources to develop healthy relationships.

This project aims to create a model of sexual health and relationship education that is sensitive to trauma histories and promotes safe, supportive relationships for young survivors of child sexual abuse.

Project details

This project will build on the international literature, captured through systematic reviews, include interviews with 15 young people who have experienced childhood maltreatment and co-design workshops with a group of 30 stakeholders, including young people, educators, researchers and adult survivors. Feedback from key stakeholders will offer insights into the value and useability of the proposed resources.

Research questions

• How do young survivors experience current sexual health and relationship education?
• What elements make this education both trauma-informed and responsive to survivors' needs?
• What guidance will support educators in providing trauma-aware sexual health education?

Project phases

1. Project establishment: Define project scope, gain approvals, engage stakeholders, and form the Project Advisory Group.
2. Literature review: Identify valued elements of trauma-informed sexual health education from survivors' perspectives.
3. Interviews: Conduct interviews with young survivors to gather insights on preferred education approaches and content.
4. Workshops: Collaborate with young survivors and stakeholders to co-design trauma-informed education frameworks.
5. Framework validation: Survey stakeholders to refine the framework before final implementation.

Projected community impact

We hope that this project will lead to a number of important outcomes. These may include tools and frameworks for educators and service providers to implement trauma-informed, survivor-sensitive sexual health education programs that address survivors' unique needs. We also aim to improve access to trauma-informed education that will foster safer, healthier relationships and greater confidence in survivors' personal and sexual wellbeing. 

Publications

Moore, T., Death, J., Trew, S., Steer, G., & Dickson, J. (2025). What young people who have experienced maltreatment want from out-of-school sex and relationship education: A qualitative synthesis of participatory research with young people. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380251349786

Moore, T., Death, J., Powell, MA., Adams, K (2025). “We have to talk about it”: Building trauma-responsive sexual health and relationship education. Interviews with young people who have experienced harm Melbourne: Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University.

Moore, T., Death, J., Powell, MA., Adams, K (2025). Changing the conversation: Building survivor aware sexual health and relationship education. Melbourne: Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University.

Moore, T., Powell, M. A., Death, J., & Adams, K. (2026). Survivor aware sex and relationship education for young people: ‘Never assume that somebody… doesn’t already have experiences [of maltreatment]’. Sex Education, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681811.2026.2676744

Project timeline

2024 - 2025 (30-month funding duration)

Contact

For more information contact: [email protected]