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Early Detection and Intervention for Adolescents at Risk for Engaging in Abusive Sexual Behavior: A Case for Prevention

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Abstract

Sexually abusive behavior by adolescent youth accounts for more than one third of all sexual offenses against young children. It is also known that many adults who have sexually offended initiated their sexually abusive behavior during adolescence. Although targeted interventions are effective for adolescents who have already engaged in abusive sexual conduct, the ability to maximally reduce the sexual abuse of young children depends on a public health perspective and the tools of primary prevention. This chapter reviews the literature on risk and protective factors most relevant to adolescent sexually abusive behavior and the empirical support for sexual violence prevention initiatives. A proposal is outlined for a comprehensive primary prevention program specifically targeting adolescents at risk for engaging in abusive sexual behavior. The first wave of this initiative involves the delivery of a universal, school-based curriculum for preventing sexual violence perpetration. The second wave encompasses alternative approaches to early detection and intervention for adolescents exhibiting sexual interests in young children. Discussed in detail are the program’s expected intervention components, anticipated challenges, and possible solutions.

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  1. Forensic Psychological Services — Ellerby, Kolton, Rothman & Associates, 500 - 287 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3C 0R9

    Daniel Rothman Ph.D.

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  1. Daniel Rothman Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Daniel Rothman Ph.D. .

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  1. Pacific Behavioural Assessment, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

    D. Richard Laws

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA

    William O'Donohue

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Rothman, D. (2016). Early Detection and Intervention for Adolescents at Risk for Engaging in Abusive Sexual Behavior: A Case for Prevention. In: Laws, D., O'Donohue, W. (eds) Treatment of Sex Offenders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25868-3_9

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