Primary and secondary prevention of child sexual abuse

Abstract

The high prevalence rates and numerous consequences associated with child sexual abuse makes preventing these offences a societal priority. Prevention strategies have traditionally involved only tertiary interventions, implemented by the criminal justice system after an offence has occurred. More recently, some have argued for a public health approach to preventing child sexual abuse, which includes interventions at the primary and secondary levels. Secondary prevention aims to provide treatment and support to those at-risk of sexually offending before any involvement with the legal system. Increased demand for secondary prevention services and early results from current initiatives demonstrate that at-risk individuals are willing to seek treatment without external pressure from the legal system, and often report numerous treatment-related benefits. These findings support the need for widespread implementation of primary and secondary prevention initiatives. The safety of children requires that we, as a society, stop merely reacting to sexual offences, and instead begin implementing proactive evidence-based strategies that can prevent even initial incidents of child sexual abuse. This article explores some of the many benefits and barriers associated with primary and secondary prevention, as well as strategies for overcoming these barriers. Recommendations for the development and implementation of prevention initiatives are also included.

Motivational pathways underlying the onset and maintenance of viewing child pornography on the Internet

“…The expansion of primary and secondary prevention strategies could help to reduce even initial incidents of viewing CP on the Internet. However, public education on pedophilia is also needed to reduce public stigma and increase the likelihood that people with a sexual interest in children will be aware that treatment exists and feel comfortable seeking help (Knack et al, ). We argue that the continued development of specialized treatment programs for people who engage in this behavior (or fear they are at risk of doing so), along with improved access to these programs, are necessary components of addressing what has been referred to as a “breaking point” in the creation and distribution of CP (Bursztein et al, , p. 1).…”

“…Although necessary, it is clear that these legal efforts are not sufficient if we hope to reduce the number of people viewing CP on the Internet. Consequently, attempts should also be made to reduce the demand for these materials through primary and secondary prevention efforts, and by increasing access to evidence‐based treatment and rehabilitation interventions (Knack, Winder, Murphy, & Fedoroff, ).…”

Strategies to Prevent Online Sexual Abuse of Children

“…While there is little research focusing specifically on Social Science Protocols, March 2020, 1-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.7565/ssp.2020.2808 3 online child sexual abuse prevention, there is some in regards to the prevention of child sexual abuse in general. Knack, Winder, Murphy and Fedoroff (2019) suggests that there are three types of preventions, primary preventions, secondary preventions, and tertiary preventions. Primary preventions involve world-wide initiatives aimed at the general public to stop the initial incident happening, for example, campaigns, education, and safeguarding technology.…”

Key messages from research on child sexual abuse perpetrated by adults

“…In recent years, interventions targeting individuals at risk of perpetrating CSA have attracted increased attention and resources (e.g. see Knack et al, 2019), partly because sexual interest in children is one of the best predictors of sexual reoffending against children (e.g. Hanson and Morton-Bourgon, 2005).…”

“…Research also shows that many individuals who define themselves as sexually attracted to children will actively seek help (Grady et al, 2019;Levenson and Grady, 2019), such as by engaging in mentoring programmes (see Knack et al, 2019).…”