Research report

Report by the Institute of Child Protection Studies about opportunities for prevention of child sexual abuse.

Authors: Emeritus Professor Morag McArthur, Vicky Saunders

In 2016, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse commissioned the ACU Institute of Child Protection Studies to carry out a research study to develop an understanding of:

• The service needs and help-seeking behaviours of professionals, parents, and community members concerned about the behaviour of an adult who is exhibiting potentially sexually harmful behaviour towards a child;
• The needs and help-seeking behaviours of professionals, parents and community members concerned about a child who is exhibiting potentially sexually harmful behaviour;
• The needs and help-seeking behaviours of individuals concerned that they may sexually harm or abuse a child;
• And the function and effectiveness of existing services tasked with responding to the needs of these target groups.

The study included a literature review, a service-mapping exercise, interviews with 23 service providers, and focus groups with parents and caregivers, community members and professionals working with and for children.

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