What is prevention of child sexual abuse and how do prevention programs work?
The consequences of child sexual abuse (CSA) are enormous. We need an approach that prevents CSA before it occurs. There are different ways to prevent offending against children. An important focus is offence prevention. Without offenders, there are no victims. Prevention programs generally provide support to individuals at risk of offending against children or individuals who have offended, thereby preventing victimization and revictimization. Over the years many countries have set up various prevention programs, and they all have the same goal: to protect children.
But how do these prevention programs work?
What is prevention
For many years individuals who have acted on their sexual urges towards children, and specifically those arrested by the police, have received treatment in forensic centers. Unfortunately, this means that by the time they receive treatment the sexual offence has already happened. A shift was needed to prevent child sexual abuse in the first place. Therefore, prevention programs were developed.
They offer support to individuals who are concerned about their sexual thoughts and behaviour towards children. Prevention programs are usually anonymous and free of charge as they need to be accessible and provide people with a safe space to talk about their concerns.
Prevention also focuses on society by creating awareness on the topic of CSA and reducing stigma. Individuals who are struggling with their sexual thoughts or behaviour towards children are often stigmatized which makes it difficult for them to disclose their concerns. They are afraid that they will be judged, ostracized, or reported to the police. And unfortunately for some this has been a reality. Prevention programs can only be effective if people reach out for support. Reducing stigma in society can lower this barrier and help individuals to ask for the support they need.
How do prevention programs work
Stop it Now is an example of a prevention program. It originally started in the USA and was followed by the UK and Ireland, The Netherlands, Flanders and Australia. Besides Stop it Now there are more prevention programs across the world, including Prevent It, Beforemore, and many others. Most of these programs are anonymous and provide information, advice and support to individuals with sexual fantasies about children, individuals who are at risk of offending against children, and individuals who have already committed a sexual offence, such as the use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
In general, individuals can reach out by contacting a helpline or chat. Helpline operators listen without judgement, discuss the situation, assess risk, and together with the individual a plan will be made based on their needs. Individuals who contact the helpline for the first time are often very nervous and find it difficult to talk about their problems. But at the same time, they are relieved that they can finally share their secret and that help is available.
Many individuals feel guilty and ashamed, and they want to better understand their own behaviour. Helpline operators help them gain a better overview of the situation and the possibilities for help and also encourage them to take active steps to change their behaviour.
Most prevention programs also offer support to individuals who are concerned about the behaviour of someone else. These individuals are often forgotten and are left with a lot of questions regarding the offence. They can also feel stigmatized which makes it difficult to discuss their situation with friends and family. Therefore, it is important that they can also reach out for support.
From prevention to treatment
Prevention programs can also provide options for specialized support services, depending on the needs of the specific individual. In most countries, there are treatment options that can help them control their sexual behaviour towards children. Treatment can focus on creating better insight into their thoughts and behaviour, changing unwanted behavioural patterns, and strengthening their behavioural control. Assessing risk can be part of it, but it’s also about coping and treating underlying psychological issues, while also reducing stress and strengthening the social support system.
If someone decides to start treatment, a treatment plan will be made and tailored to their individual needs. Risk will be assessed and managed, and people can learn to train their thoughts and healthy coping skills, to better deal with emotions and stressful life situations. Sometimes acceptance is needed, and how to safely cope with sexual feelings and urges. Another focus is on achieving health and building a better life. This will reduce the risk of offending in the future, as people learn to adequately cope with their thoughts and behaviour.
Conclusion
Receiving social support instead of feeling isolated and taking active steps to (re)gain control of one’s sexual behaviour decreases the risk of (re)offending. Prevention programs are usually the first step in this process towards change. The right support can make a difference. It is important that people who are concerned about their sexual thoughts or behaviors towards children find their way towards prevention programs. That they feel safe to ask for help. In our society, we have a shared responsibility to provide people with that safe space, so that we can protect children.
Visit the 2PS website to learn more about the project activities and how they enhance prevention.
