When people hear the term prevention in the context of child sexual abuse, they often think of teaching children how to stay safe or identifying known offenders. But prevention can also mean reaching people before an offence ever happens through offering support to those who are at risk of causing harm, or who are already distressed by their own thoughts and behaviours. This approach, known as perpetration prevention, is less widely understood yet crucial to protecting children and reducing harm.
Different types of support services
This article introduces the different types of perpetration prevention services shared through the 2PS StepTo.Support platform. This platform is an innovative platform that focuses on prevention by connecting individuals who have sexual thoughts about children, or who are concerned about their sexual behaviour towards children, with appropriate support services across Europe. It is planned to be launched in 2025. The services listed on the website offer support to individuals seeking help, as well as background information to professionals, family members, and others concerned about someone who may be at risk. By exploring these categories, we aim to clarify what prevention can look like.
Stepto.Support will present both in-person and online support services, categorised into three main types of methods. Users will be able to either search independently or receive personalised suggestions from trained staff via the chat feature.
Guidance and Information
The first category is Guidance and Information, which focuses on providing advice, structured self-help, and educational support. This includes anonymous helplines, self-guided online interventions, evidence-based educational materials, practical exercises, and frequently asked questions about sexual interest in children. Additionally, users can consult trained professionals for initial guidance and, where appropriate, referrals to specialised therapists. These are designed to be an initial step for anyone seeking clarity, understanding, or direction on where and how to get help. Guidance and information can often be accessed anonymously, helping to increase help-seeking behaviour and lower the fears and barriers faced when reaching out for help.
Psychological Intervention
The second category, Psychological Intervention, offers therapeutic and/or psychiatric treatment, which typically begin with a professional assessment to determine the individual’s needs. This support serves individuals with a sexual interest in children, including those who have already offended and wish to control their thoughts to prevent harmful actions.
Within this therapeutic context, treatment may be delivered in either a structured, modular format or adapted flexibly to the individual’s needs and circumstances. Regardless of format, interventions typically integrate core elements such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, emotional regulation strategies, and the development of social and interpersonal skills. These components work together to increase self-awareness, improve coping mechanisms, and enhance the individual’s capacity for behavioural self-control. The overarching goal is to support individuals in understanding and managing their sexual thoughts and urges in a safe and responsible manner, thereby reducing the risk of harmful behaviour and promoting long-term psychological stability.
In some cases, medical treatment may also be considered as part of the therapeutic process. While Step.To.Support does not list medication as a standalone category, it recognises that medical options can be helpful in managing intense or distressing sexual desires or fantasies and improving emotional regulation and self-control. Common medications include antiandrogens, which reduce the effect of testosterone, and anti-depressants (such as SSRI’s), which can have the side-effect of slightly lower sexual thoughts and improving emotional regulation. These treatments can ease intrusive thoughts, reduce stress, and lower the risk of acting out. Side effects may include tiredness, weight changes, or reduced sexual function. Regular medical supervision is essential to ensure safety and adjust treatment if needed.
Social or Peer Support
The third category is Social or Peer Support. These services include peer support groups or online forums, as well as broader social support options designed for individuals, families, and professionals. Social and peer support services function to answer frequently asked questions, exchange experiences, and promote a science-informed understanding about people with a sexual attraction to children. Professionals seeking guidance in working with this target group may also benefit from engaging with such platforms. While the services listed on StepToSupport focus on services designed specifically for people with a sexual interest in children, some services work directly with families, helping them come to terms with and process the experience of being related to someone who has a sexual interest in children or has committed a sexual offence.
Individual services
These three categories of perpetration prevention services are grounded in established EU classification guidelines for programs supporting individuals with sexual interest in children. While this framework provides a useful structure for understanding available interventions, it’s important to recognise that individual services may vary significantly in their specific approaches, methodologies, and delivery formats. Some organisations may specialise in one particular type of support, while others integrate multiple methods to create comprehensive care pathways. This diversity reflects the complex nature of prevention work, ensuring that people seeking help can find support that best matches their unique circumstances and needs.
