An empirical case study of a child sexual abuse prevention initiative in Georgia

Abstract

Objective: This empirical case study describes Prevent Child Abuse Georgia’s effort to prevent child sexual abuse (CSA) by educating communities throughout the state on supporting preventive behaviour. The initiative consisted of three major components: (1) dissemination of CSA prevention messages and materials; (2) a statewide helpline that helped callers respond to the warning signs of CSA and engage in protective behaviours; and (3) a statewide education and training programme. Design: An empirical case study design was used. Setting: This prevention initiative took place across the state of Georgia. Method: Archival records kept by Prevent Child Abuse Georgia were reviewed to determine the outputs of this statewide effort. Additionally, the annual incidence of child sexual abuse substantiated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources (cases per 100,000 children < 18 years of age) was calculated to examine changes in the broader context of Prevent Child Abuse Georgia’s statewide CSA prevention effort (from 1997–2007). Results: Results show that Prevent Child Abuse Georgia provided 232,822 informational materials to Georgia residents, assisted 1,271 helpline callers to support responses to the warning signs of CSA, and trained 7,700 individuals. According to records from the Georgia Department of Human Services, from 2002–7, the incidence of child sexual abuse decreased four of the five years of the implementation period. Conclusion: This empirical case study describes the steps a statewide effort can take to promote the primary prevention of CSA. Prevent Child Abuse Georgia engaged in a variety of activities to educate the public, increase CSA prevention knowledge, and promote preventive behaviour.