Key terms used on this site

The Department of Education recognises that words are powerful and can have profoundly different meanings for different people. We also understand that language can be a source of harm.

Wherever possible, this Department of Education victim-survivor support website uses words and language that align with the Child Sexual Abuse Language Guide, developed by the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse. We thank the Centre for this important guide.

This page defines key terms used across some of the pages of this site for victim-survivors of child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

Allegation

Legally, something that is claimed but not proved.

C

Child

A person under the age of 18, regardless of the age of majority or age of consent locally.

Children or young people

Individuals under the age of 18 years.

Child sexual abuse

Across this information hub, child sexual abuse refers to any sexual offence against a child, including grooming. A sexual offence against a child can include physical or non-physical sexual activity, or any form of sexual contact, with a child.

For other definitions of child sexual abuse refer to the Child Sexual Abuse Language Guide.

Civil claim

Across this information hub, a civil claim refers to a legal action brought by a person who claims that they have suffered harm or loss, because a Victorian government school or the Department of Education failed in their duty of care to keep that person safe from that harm or loss. A civil claim in these circumstances is brought against the State of Victoria, as the entity that would be named as the defendant.

Common Guiding Principles

Guidance for how departments should ordinarily respond to civil claims involving allegations of child sexual abuse.

For more information, see Common Guiding Principles - child sexual abuse civil claims.

D

Disclosure

Telling another person about the abuse either formally or informally, voluntarily or in response to others’ invitations to tell.

Direct Personal Response (DPR)

Part of the National Redress Scheme, where survivors can receive a personal apology and acknowledgment from the institution responsible for the abuse.

F

Facilitator

A trained professional who supports victim-survivors and institutions during a formal interaction where a survivor can receive an apology, acknowledgement or explanation from an organisation that caused them harm. The facilitator prepares the parties for the meeting, supports the delivery of the apology, and ensures any actions or questions are addressed, ensuring the process is safe and meaningful for the survivor.

G

Grooming

Grooming a child (or their parent or carer) refers to the way a person forms relationships and builds trust with children, parents, carers, teachers and other children in order to get close to a child and create the opportunity for sexual abuse. It can be difficult to identify because the behaviour itself may not be abusive or sexual. Grooming can often occur online.

H

Historical child sexual abuse

A term used on this website to describe child sexual abuse that happened to someone (now an adult) when they were under the age of 18. This could mean the abuse happened years or decades ago and may not be remembered or disclosed for many years.

M

Model Litigant Guidelines

Legal guidelines requiring the State to act with fairness, integrity, and professionalism when responding to claims, especially from vulnerable people.

For more information, see Victorian Model Litigant Guidelines.

S

Secondary victim

A person who has been affected by the abuse perpetrated against the primary victim-survivor. A secondary victim may include partners, children, parents, siblings, extended family and witnesses.

T

Trauma-informed approach

An approach to work that is centred on the needs of victim-survivors. The approach emphasises psychological, cultural and physical safety.

V

Victim-survivor

Refers to a person who identifies as having experienced child sexual abuse. This includes those who are alive and with us today, and those who are no longer with us. We acknowledge that victims and survivors have the right to define their identity, and the terms ‘victim’ and ‘survivor’ can for some be considered as existing on a continuum of recovery. We also recognise that some people may not identify with either of these terms.

Updated 27 March 2026

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