A Feasibility Study of a Canadian Child Sexual Abuse Perpetration Prevention Program

Online or other child sexual exploitation or abuse (OCSEA) perpetration prevention programs are designed to provide services to individuals prior to offending. There is limited research on OCSEA perpetration prevention programs in jurisdictions with mandatory reporting. The present study is a mixed-method feasibility evaluation of the OCSEA perpetration prevention therapy program, Talking for Change (TFC). The feasibility study broadly addressed whether adult clients could be recruited to the program, the clinical profile of clients, and their satisfaction with the program. In total, there were 162 distinct individuals referred with the number of referrals increasing on an annual basis. Clients in the evaluation (n = 40) presented with risk relevant factors related to paraphilic interests and sexual self regulation problems with interpersonal challenges as well as several protective factors (e.g., empathy). The population had a high level of comorbid mental health problems, and many had engaged in prior CSEM use. Program satisfaction interviews resulted in five themes that highlighted the value of the group (e.g., promoting acceptance and accountability) and challenges (e.g., problems with a one size fits all approach). The results indicated that OCSEA perpetration prevention programs are feasible in mandatory reporting jurisdictions. Implications for program delivery are discussed.