Barriers to implementing, accessing, and utilizing prevention programs for individuals at risk of committing child...

Effectively preventing child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) requires understanding the barriers that hinder program success.

This study examines barriers to program implementation (hindering set-up and maintenance), access (hindering groups of individuals from access), and utilization (hindering individuals from engaging with or benefiting from programs), to identify barriers with high and low levels of endorsement across European Union (EU) Member States.

Participants were experts in CSEA prevention. A modified two-round Delphi technique was used. Round 1 was a qualitative online survey analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, capturing diverse perspectives to inform the development of the Round 2 survey. Round 2 was a quantitative online survey analyzed using a three-step strategy: (1) retaining only items rated by experts from at least two-thirds of EU Member States, (2) calculating country-level mean ratings for each item, and (3) calculating the proportion of Member States endorsing each item, categorizing them as barriers with low, medium, or high levels of endorsement.

Negative public perception, lack of funding, concern for practitioner wellbeing, and a preference for punitive policies were identified as barriers with high levels of endorsement, mainly concerning the implementation of prevention initiatives. Specific legal regulations and a lack of certain prevention initiatives were identified as having low levels of endorsement across Member States but still requiring country-specific targeting.

To enhance CSEA prevention, improved public perceptions, sustainable funding, and practitioner support should be prioritized across the EU. Targeted strategies are needed to address country-specific barriers with low levels of endorsement.