06/18/2026
Can we talk about preventing child sexual abuse before it happens?
A new Canadian study found that most people support prevention programs designed to help individuals seek support before a child is harmed. Interestingly, support remained high whether the programs were described as reducing risk, improving wellbeing, or both.
The bigger factors influencing support weren't the specific words used in the advertisement—they were people's existing beliefs, attitudes, and levels of stigma.
This is an important reminder that effective prevention requires more than awareness campaigns. It requires challenging misconceptions, reducing stigma, and helping the public understand that prevention is a critical part of protecting children.
Prevention works best when people can access support early.
Study: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/10790632261438691
