Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: The Launch and Evaluation of the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention

• In Event: Panel Overview to Describe CDC-Supported Research Studies that Rigorously Evaluate Approaches to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)

Abstract

Child sexual abuse remains an enduring public health problem with substantial criminal justice consequences. In recent years, scholars have called for more investment in primary prevention programs that target child sexual abuse perpetration. Individuals with a sexual attraction to children represent an important, but underserved, prevention target group. To date, few resources are available for individuals who are seeking help with processing and coping with their attraction to children. The Help Wanted Prevention Intervention was designed and launched to address such a need. In September 2020, the CDC awarded funding to the Help Wanted study team to evaluate the intervention using a randomized waitlist-controlled trial. This evaluation is currently underway. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the theoretical framing and design of the intervention, findings from an initial feedback evaluation, and details from the subsequent revision of the intervention. This presentation will close with a discussion of next steps for the evaluation of Help Wanted.

Author

• Ryan T. Shields, University of Massachusetts Lowell