Introduction to the Special Issue: Prevalence and Characteristics of Child Sexual Abuse Perpetration in Australia, the United States, and United Kingdom

TL;DR

This special issue presents the largest multi-country study on men's self-reported sexual interest and behavior towards children, offering insights into prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies for child sexual abuse.

Contribution

The study provides the first cross-national estimates of undetected child sexual exploitation behavior and identifies upstream prevention strategies.

Findings

The study identifies demographic, psychological, and attitudinal factors associated with child sexual abuse perpetration.

It examines the role of online environments in facilitating child sexual exploitation.

The findings support a public health approach with upstream strategies like early intervention and digital regulation.

Abstract

This special issue presents findings from the largest multi-country study of men’s self-reported sexual interest and behaviour towards children, addressing critical gaps in evidence on the prevalence, correlates, and prevention of child sexual exploitation and abuse perpetration. Drawing on three nationally representative male samples from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the seven papers provide the first cross-national estimates of undetected child sexual exploitation and abuse behaviour, identify demographic, psychological, developmental, and attitudinal factors associated with risk, and examine the role of online environments in facilitating harm. Collectively, the studies advance a public health approach to child sexual exploitation and abuse by delineating “upstream” strategies – such as early intervention, trauma prevention, social norms change, and digital regulation – that can reduce perpetration before it occurs. By integrating methodological, behavioural, and policy-oriented analyses, this special issue establishes a foundational evidence base to inform coordinated, cross-sectoral efforts to prevent child sexual exploitation and abuse and mitigate its profound community and intergenerational impacts.

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