Child sexual abuse prevention: Developing methods for social services to identify and respond to adults at risk of offending

Children who are sexually abused by a family member or other closely related person are in a particularly vulnerable situation. There is a growing need for knowledge about how society can better prevent child sexual abuse. New legislation states that social services should not only provide support to victims of violence, but also work to help individuals who subject family members to violence or abuse change their behaviour. Despite this, there is currently a lack of knowledge and clear guidelines regarding how social services should work with individuals who commit sexual abuse against children within their family.

The research project aims to increase knowledge about how child sexual abuse can be prevented through early identification and improved interventions. The project examines how social workers currently identify individuals at risk of sexually abusive behaviour and explores existing gaps and opportunities within current social service practices. The project also investigates how social services’ methods and approaches can be further developed.

The first phase of the project involves analysing documentation from cases involving child sexual abuse in order to examine how assessments are currently conducted. This is followed by focus group interviews with social workers to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and the practical challenges they encounter in their work. In the final phase of the project, evidence-based strategies and guidelines for social services practice will be developed. A reference group consisting of leading national and international experts in the field, as well as representatives of relevant stakeholders and organisations representing the perspectives of victims of violence, is included in the project.

The overall goal is to contribute to earlier identification, improved interventions, and more effective preventive efforts against child sexual abuse.