The Sibling Sexual Behaviour Mapping Tool (SSBMT): Supporting practitioner confidence, planning and competency when responding to sexual behaviours between siblings

This study details the development and initial pilot evaluation of the Sibling Sexual Behaviour Mapping Tool (SSBMT), designed to aid child-protection social workers in addressing cases of sibling sexual behaviours (SSB). Rooted in findings from the National Project on Sibling Sexual Abuse and other key research, the SSBMT aims to address the lack of targeted resources and professional training available in the United Kingdom for dealing with SSB cases.

The term "sibling sexual behaviour" encompasses a wide spectrum of behaviours between siblings, ranging from inappropriate to abusive. Unlike the traditional "victim/perpetrator" model often used in child sexual abuse cases, the SSBMT focuses on a holistic family-centered approach, emphasizing the complex family dynamics that influence SSB. The tool does not replace statutory safeguarding assessments but complements them by helping practitioners organize and plan their responses effectively.

The study highlights the inconsistent availability of intervention pathways across the UK, compounded by societal taboos and a lack of clarity in defining what constitutes inappropriate or harmful sexual behaviours between siblings. Professionals often face significant challenges, such as incomplete case information, low confidence in handling SSB cases, and the absence of comprehensive training resources. Additionally, SSB cases are rarely disclosed promptly due to factors like social stigma, minimization of the behaviours, and concerns over the impact on family relationships.

Developed through evidence synthesis and collaborative input from researchers and practitioners, the SSBMT organizes practitioner considerations into six contextual domains: sibling sexual behaviour, family dynamics, home circumstances, education, health, and social context. Each domain includes tailored prompts to guide professionals in assessing concerns, strengths, impacts, required interventions, and action points. This structure builds on the "Signs of Safety" framework, with added dimensions to address the unique complexities of SSB cases.

The pilot study for the SSBMT involved frontline social work teams across seven local authorities. Practitioners received initial training on the tool, followed by a three-month trial period. Feedback from surveys and interviews suggested that the tool increased professional confidence and encouraged holistic, family-inclusive approaches. Based on the feedback, a refined version of the SSBMT was made freely available online, with plans for ongoing evaluation.

The research tools and processes employed in the study of the Sibling Sexual Behaviour Mapping Tool (SSBMT) were intended to gain insight into the challenges and solutions surrounding sibling sexual behaviours (SSB). The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather feedback on the SSBMT, including pre/post practitioner surveys, semi-structured interviews, a narrative review and a scoping review to synthesize existing research/gaps. Insights were also drawn from previously conducted studies, including interviews with professionals, adult survivors, and young survivors, as well as a Delphi study for consensus-building. Additionally, input from a steering group of academic researchers and practitioners met at key stages to ensure the tool’s design was grounded in real-world practice and evidence-based insights.