Abstract
This discussion piece argues for a refinement in our understanding of prevention in sexual abuse, suggesting that we include quaternary prevention on the grounds that this concept from medical literature has potential and helpful application to criminal justice and particularly to work with those who cause sexual harm. Located within the paradigm of Epidemiological Criminology (EpiCrim), quaternary prevention extends the prevention spectrum to enable a stronger distinction between tertiary level responses and long-term safe, sustainable reintegration into communities, particularly of those who sexually abuse others. The key principles of quaternary prevention are adapted and refined from current medical literature, and the potential usefulness of quaternary prevention to crime and sex abuse prevention is explored.
Highlights
Sexual abuse is a complex and multi-faceted issue, as are the reasons why people sexually offend
Sexual offences are collectively as well as individually defined and framed, and we need to collectively construct our responses to them including prevention strategies (McCartan et al, 2015). The aim of this discussion article is to open up a discussion about the contribution of Epidemiological Criminology (EpiCrim) to the continued development and relevance of prevention; and to introduce the concept of quaternary prevention from medicine based on the belief that quaternary prevention could have a useful relevance to the criminal justice arena, and to sexual abuse prevention
We argue that quaternary prevention is a useful addition to prevention levels in that it focuses on the avoidance of harm, reduces the over-focus on individuals and individual responses, and has the potential to move the policy and practitioner gaze onto long-term reintegration and community reintegration
Summary
Sexual abuse is a complex and multi-faceted issue, as are the reasons why people sexually offend. Its main contributions to criminal justice, and to sexual abuse prevention, are a focus on the issue at population level; data gathering and analysis at macro as well as micro levels including bringing together behavioral, individual, and societal elements; and working across a range of disciplines to enhance understanding and effective responses. Public health approaches in the area of sexual abuse have drawn heavily on SEM, in terms of research and advocacy for more effective responses (see: Brown, 2017; Kemshall & Moulden, 2017; Letourneau et al, 2014).
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