Abstract
This document describes Phase Two of a broader programme of research focused on the prevention of child sexual abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand – Stand Strong, Walk Tall: Prehabilitation for a Better Future (SSWT).
Child sexual abuse is harmful and costly across all societies, yet it is preventable. Prevalence studies estimate that approximately 3-5 percent of adult males in the community may experience sexual attraction towards children. Research also suggests such experiences can be highly burdensome and are not by choice. Yet traditionally treatment has only been provided within the justice system, after individuals have been apprehended for harmful acts.
Underlying the SSWT research collaboration is the key philosophy that it benefits all in society to have evidence-based preventive treatment available to those who experience sexual attraction towards children, without awaiting harm to have been perpetrated first.
The work of the SSWT research collaboration to date has pursued dual aims:
• To introduce within Aotearoa communities a preventive intervention for individuals who experience sexual attraction towards children/young persons; and
• To develop this intervention as a joint treatment and research initiative, in order to contribute to knowledge accumulation regarding the target population and their treatment needs, and thereby inform continuous service improvement.
Our overarching and interconnected objectives are to reduce the incidence of children and young persons being harmed, as well as to enhance the wellbeing of the group who receive services.
SSWT has received two rounds of funding from Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora (Ministry of Social Development; MSD). Phase One (completed in early 2020), involved the design and development of the SSWT intervention. Phase Two (the current report) comprised three concurrent interconnected workstreams that pursued the following aims:
Workstream A - SSWT Pilot Delivery and Evaluation
• Pilot Delivery: Implement pilot delivery of the SSWT assessment and intervention service in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Research Database: Via the pilot, initiate a research database to enable the initial and ongoing evaluation of SSWT’s impact, with a view to continuous improvement
• Pilot Evaluation: Evaluate the pilot in terms of measurable participant impacts
Engaging in a carefully planned pilot evaluation was a crucial step for a number of reasons. Positive results would support confidence in SSWT’s value and impact going forward. A successful pilot study would also provide an initial evidence base regarding outcomes and inform continuous improvements for the benefit of service users and the public.
Workstream B
• Promotional Strategy and Evaluation: Design, implement, and evaluate the public-facing promotional strategy and materials for the SSWT pilot service
Doctoral Rangahau Collaboration
• Kaupapa Māori Exploratory Rangahau: Explore the needs and worldviews of Māori potential tāngata whaiora (service users)
Child sexual abuse is harmful and costly across all societies, yet it is preventable. Prevalence studies estimate that approximately 3-5 percent of adult males in the community may experience sexual attraction towards children. Research also suggests such experiences can be highly burdensome and are not by choice. Yet traditionally treatment has only been provided within the justice system, after individuals have been apprehended for harmful acts.
Underlying the SSWT research collaboration is the key philosophy that it benefits all in society to have evidence-based preventive treatment available to those who experience sexual attraction towards children, without awaiting harm to have been perpetrated first.
The work of the SSWT research collaboration to date has pursued dual aims:
• To introduce within Aotearoa communities a preventive intervention for individuals who experience sexual attraction towards children/young persons; and
• To develop this intervention as a joint treatment and research initiative, in order to contribute to knowledge accumulation regarding the target population and their treatment needs, and thereby inform continuous service improvement.
Our overarching and interconnected objectives are to reduce the incidence of children and young persons being harmed, as well as to enhance the wellbeing of the group who receive services.
SSWT has received two rounds of funding from Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora (Ministry of Social Development; MSD). Phase One (completed in early 2020), involved the design and development of the SSWT intervention. Phase Two (the current report) comprised three concurrent interconnected workstreams that pursued the following aims:
Workstream A - SSWT Pilot Delivery and Evaluation
• Pilot Delivery: Implement pilot delivery of the SSWT assessment and intervention service in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Research Database: Via the pilot, initiate a research database to enable the initial and ongoing evaluation of SSWT’s impact, with a view to continuous improvement
• Pilot Evaluation: Evaluate the pilot in terms of measurable participant impacts
Engaging in a carefully planned pilot evaluation was a crucial step for a number of reasons. Positive results would support confidence in SSWT’s value and impact going forward. A successful pilot study would also provide an initial evidence base regarding outcomes and inform continuous improvements for the benefit of service users and the public.
Workstream B
• Promotional Strategy and Evaluation: Design, implement, and evaluate the public-facing promotional strategy and materials for the SSWT pilot service
Doctoral Rangahau Collaboration
• Kaupapa Māori Exploratory Rangahau: Explore the needs and worldviews of Māori potential tāngata whaiora (service users)
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Ministry of Social Development |
| Commissioning body | New Zealand Ministry of Social Development |
| Number of pages | 156 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2024 |
Keywords
- Sexual violence
- Child sexual abuse
- Prevention
- Community programs
- New Zealand
