Protecting children against sexual abuse in youth-serving organizations: A qualitative vignette study on (potential) offenders' and therapists' views of Safeguarding Programs

Abstract

Background: Holistic approaches to preventing child sexual abuse (CSA) such as German Safeguarding Programs integrate comprehensive analysis, intervention, prevention, and evaluation efforts and can be used to address CSA in youth-serving organizations (YSOs). To date, little is known about how adults who have committed CSA in YSOs in the past (i.e., offenders), adults who identify as being at risk of committing CSA in YSOs (i.e., potential offenders), and therapists experienced in treating such (potential) offenders view these programs.

Objective: To evaluate whether (potential) offenders and therapists consider holistic approaches such as Safeguarding Programs as effective for protecting children in YSOs. Additionally, their views on potential additional measures and barriers or facilitators to implementing Safeguarding Programs were investigated.

Methods: In an exploratory qualitative study that used a vignette approach, Safeguarding Programs were presented in problem-centered interviews to (potential) offenders (n=6) and therapists experienced in the treatment of (potential) offenders (n=5). Participants provided extensive feedback, which was analyzed by a qualitative content analysis.

Results: Participants emphasized that to be effective, the interrelated measures of Safeguarding Programs need to be implemented comprehensively, not just in isolation. (Potential) offenders reported that a clear code of conduct in YSOs can be particularly helpful in controlling CSA related behavior. Addressing preventive help-offers within Safeguarding Programs may facilitate help-seeking in (potential) offenders.

Conclusions: Results may help to guide further development Safeguarding Programs and other holistic approaches. The study highlights the importance of involving (potential) offenders when developing preventive measures.