NCJ Number
180131
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: October 1999 Pages: 257-266
Editor(s)
Barry M. Maletzky
Date Published
1999
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Public health provides a unique framework for conceptualizing and implementing efforts to prevent first occurrences of child sexual abuse; this article explains a model of the public health approach to such prevention and illustrates the applicability of this model to child sexual abuse (CSA).
Abstract
Although it is important to teach children how to lower their risk of sexual victimization, the greatest benefit for primary prevention lies with potential perpetrators or with other adults, who wield more power than children and can intervene to stop the abuser from offending; therefore, primary prevention programs should focus on adults in general (universal preventive measures) and potential perpetrators of CSA (selective preventive measures) in particular. One model of the public health approach that is directed toward identifying effective approaches to prevention includes four components: public health surveillance, such as tracking and monitoring trends; risk factor research, which identifies what puts a person at greater risk of perpetration; program development and evaluation; and program implementation, which involves measuring program effectiveness, determining cost-effectiveness, and developing guidelines and procedures for putting programs in place. Several interventions are especially promising for primary prevention of CSA, but require further evaluation. The STOP IT NOW! program in Vermont addresses CSA as a public health issue. Social marketing and public education are used to establish the responsibility of adults for preventing CSA. The program goals are to educate the public about child sexual abusers and to motivate adults to take action to prevent CSA. The program also encourages perpetrators to seek treatment. This article outlines the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control's panel of experts regarding how to promote CSA as a public health issue. 25 references