It’s time to talk about it: child sexual abuse can be preventable
Child sexual abuse is a difficult topic, but there is one thing all of us can agree on: we wish it would never happen in the first place.
Child sexual abuse can be prevented, and to prevent it, help and support must address everyone in need.
This video is part of the 2PS Awareness Raising campaign which aims at highlighting the importance of prevention of child sexual abuse before it happens. The goal is to start building awareness of the necessity of prevention to end violence against children, also by reducing social stigma around the topic.
Child Sexual Abuse is Preventable
Through discussions and preparations for this video, which is the first part of a series of resources, we aim to emphasise the importance of prevention. In every aspect of life, ‘prevention is better than cure’—and this area is no different. However, we faced a challenge in how to best approach and discuss this difficult topic in the public domain.
The 2PS video presents a deliberately ambiguous message. Depending on the viewer, the content could be interpreted as the challenges faced by a victim of abuse, or as the remorse of someone who has committed a sexual offence in the past. It could also reflect the struggles of someone who hasn’t committed an offence but is grappling with suppressed sexual thoughts. These perspectives are all critical to understanding the complex issue of child sexual abuse prevention.
All parties involved in child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) agree that preventing abuse before it occurs is essential. For this to occur, it is critical that individuals at risk of offending have access to effective support and resources that can help manage their behaviours and reduce the likelihood of harm, enabling them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives free from offending.
The 2PS Project and a Holistic Approach
2PS is part of a broader, holistic approach to CSAE prevention. While perpetrator prevention is an important pillar, it works alongside other prevention strategies such as grassroots interventions, media literacy, and online safety education. We also support a strategy that prioritises strong legislation, victim support, and law enforcement action to detect and investigate criminal activities.
Why We Need to Talk About Perpetrator Prevention
One thing is certain: without talking about it, nothing will change. So, it’s time to talk about it—child sexual abuse can be preventable.
Together, we can take action to stop abuse before it happens. We hope this initiative sparks more people to engage in meaningful discussions.
2PS is a member of the Sparks in the Dark community, a platform that amplifies campaigns addressing all aspects of CSAE prevention. If you have a campaign related to perpetrator prevention or other prevention actions, please contact 2PS to have your materials listed here. For initiatives focused on broader prevention efforts, please reach out to the Sparks in the Dark community.
Protect Children is committed to ensuring that no child is subject to any form of sexual harassment, grooming, or sexual violence. To complete this mission, we focus on holistic prevention to address the crime before the child is harmed. The results of our Global ‘Our Voice’ Survivor Survey demonstrate that 84% of adult survivors of childhood sexual violence experience long-term negative consequences of the abuse, which include, among other things, depression, anxiety disorder, difficulty in forming and maintaining personal relations, and PTSD. Prevention is paramount, as it allows us to take action before someone suffers these life-long consequences, before the crime is done.
Every day we talk to people who are struggling with their thoughts and behavior towards children. They are relieved when they can finally talk to someone and there is nonjudgemental support. Most of them are motivated and willing to change, and they take active steps to gain control over their behavior. That is why prevention is important. With the right support it is possible to prevent harm to children.
Preventing child abuse requires focusing not only on survivors but also targeting people at increased risk of problematic sexual behavior. People with paraphilic preferences cannot change their preferences, but they can receive specialized care to help them accept their sexuality, keep their sexual impulses under control, and live healthy lives fully integrated into society. Prioritizing early intervention and providing support for people with problematic sexuality can address potential issues before they happen.