Warning: This article discusses childhood sexual abuse and may be distressing for some readers.
A new research project is urging adults who experience sexual attraction to children and young people to self-refer themselves for specialist therapy.
The pilot programme, called Stand Strong, Walk Tall (SSWT), is aimed at stopping childhood sexual abuse in Aotearoa.
It is a joint research initiative from psychologists at the University of Canterbury and the University of Auckland and is funded through a government research grant.
Registered clinical psychologists Dr Sarah Christofferson and Dr Gwenda Willis are leading the programme.
"Sexual abuse against children causes great harm. However, there is an important distinction between attraction and behaviour," Dr Christofferson and Dr Willis said in a press release on Thursday.
"Until now, there have been limited avenues for someone to seek help if they are feeling distressed by their attractions and in need of therapeutic support.
"The research-based SSWT programme has dual aims: to enhance wellbeing by supporting participants to lead safe fulfilling lives, and to contribute to the prevention of child sexual abuse."
They said most efforts to prevent childhood sexual abuse focus on stopping repeat offending but this work aims to prevent offending in the first place.
"SSWT widens the net for perpetration prevention, adopting the term 'prehabilitation' rather than after-the-fact rehabilitation offered in the justice system. Importantly, SSWT does not wait for someone to act on their attractions and harm a child before they can receive help.
"SSWT was designed in line with up-to-date knowledge about sexual attraction to children/young people, the treatment needs of those who experience such attractions, and effective therapeutic approaches. "Through the SSWT research, we aim to learn more about the target population and their treatment needs, to inform the continual improvement of perpetration prevention services," they said.
People can self refer to the program via the SSWT website or by texting or calling 027 286 2770.
Anyone who feels they may benefit from the programme is encouraged to get in touch.
The pilot is running from June 2022 to June 2023, in person or online in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Ōtautahi Christchurch, Pōneke Wellington, and online for participants elsewhere across Aotearoa New Zealand. Participation is confidential and free of charge for eligible participants.
Where to find help and support:
Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
