Preventing Sexual Offending – Descriptive Data From a Swedish Helpline

Abstract

By targeting persons at risk of unwanted non-consenting sexual behavior, the Swedish helpline project, PrevenTell aims to prevent sexual offending. Persons with self-identified problematic sexual behavior and their loved ones, are encouraged to a telephone-contact aiming to motivate for treatment. Data collection took place between March 2012 and November 2016. In all n=994, men (n= 911, 91%), women (n= 82, 8, 19%) and “other” n=1 between 16-77 y (mean: 37 y), with self-identified paraphilia and/or hypersexual behavior were included, i.e. the target-group. Subjects calling the Helpline completed a 50-item semi-structured interview by specially trained staff after obtaining informed consent. Awareness of the Helpline was ensured through a media campaign, edited material and Internet. Data on loved-ones (n=317), contacting the Helpline were gathered during the same period. Pedo-hebephilic interest was reported in the whole group by 22% (21% and 1%, men and women respectively). In the whole group any use of on-line children sexual exploitation material was found in 17% and among persons reporting on pedophilic interest this was the case for more than half (56%). Coercive sexual impulses and behaviors were reported by 18% within the target-group and among those 23% also suffered from hypersexual behavior and sexual interest in children. Respondents were offered anonymity; however, more than half (52%), disclosed personal id and were enrolled for further assessment for treatment. PrevenTell callers reported feelings of depression and anxiety and 76% were highly motivated to alter problematic sexual behavior by treatment. In all, n=317 loved-ones contacted PrevenTell. The vast majority (82%) were women and 84% of the calls concerned a man within target group.