Prevention alliance
to end childhood
sexual trauma

The Global Pandemic of Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is a global pandemic.

When it comes to child sexual abuse, the statistics are shocking. Estimates suggest that, worldwide, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually harmed before the age of 18.

The use of child sexual abuse materials is increasing on a massive scale.

The use of child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAM) is especially problematic because it creates a demand for and maintains direct child sexual abuse and exploitation. As a result, children are sexually abused over and over again to continually produce content.

Inaction at a political level is resulting in the ongoing harm of children.

Many organisations are motivated to implement prevention interventions based on best practices but face limited political and financial support and a challenging medico-legal framework.

Our Vision

Three Pillars Under One Roof…
Each Pillar of Prevention is intertwined with the others. A single organisation that engages across these pillars will reduce duplication, ensure representation and result in a comprehensive approach to the pandemic of child sexual abuse.

Our Mission

Our mission is to see comprehensive programs to prevent childhood sexual trauma benefit communities around the world, increasing the chances of future generations. Comprehensive programs means initiatives that address our three Pillars of Prevention; causer-related prevention, high-risk environments and mitigation of consequences.

To achieve this, we will:

CONNECT those with the capacity to implement programs with each other, as well as decision, opinion and policy makers.

EMPOWER professionals to act against child sexual trauma through education, training and access to knowledge about preventive approaches.

HIGHLIGHT and endorse promising initiatives that prevent the occurrence of, and mitigate the consequences of, sexual trauma in children.

MOBILISE communities and media to destigmatise sexual trauma and encourage help seeking of both potential perpetrators and victim-survivors.

Members

In 2022, we will launch our membership structure with a small group of founding members. Our founding members will be organisations that offer preventive services fulfilling the below criteria:

  • Target Group: Adult men who fear they may offend, or have offended but are unknown to the criminal justice system, and fit the diagnostic criteria of pedophilia or hebephilia.
  • Context: Services are provided in a therapeutic setting, one-on-one and/or in small groups and either face-to-face or online.
  • Methods: The services offered to the target group are evidence-based and consist of psychological support. Service may also include pharmacological intervention.

It is our intention to expand membership to (a) organisations that wish to implement programs that fulfil the above criteria, (b) organisations that operate with different target groups, in different contexts and with different methods and (c) professionals and students outside of these organisations with an active interest in causer-related prevention, in the future.

People

Board of Directors

ACT Against Child Abuse is a project of the Wilhelm von Humboldt Foundation. Our qualified Board of Directors oversee the operations of the Wilhelm von Humboldt Foundation and work closely with the ACT Against Child Abuse Team:

  • Dr Victoria von Coburg (Chairperson)
  • Dr Alfred Pauls
  • Dr Maureen Cronin

Board of Trustees

The experienced Board of Trustees, chaired by Prof Klaus M Beier, MD, PhD, guides the strategic direction of the Wilhelm von Humboldt Foundation and ensures all projects remain aligned with long-term goals.

Project Team

Below is our dedicated Project Team, who work to make our vision a reality:

  • Dorothea Czarnecki, PhD
  • Janavi Doshi, M.Sc. Psych.
  • Maximilian von Heyden, M.Sc. Public Health
  • Isabel Schilg, MCCJ, LL.B.

Supporters

We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and generosity of our supporters, who make it possible for us to continue our mission:

  • Berlin School of Sexual Health GmbH
  • Deutsche Kinderschutzstiftung Hänsel+Gretel
  • Lars Windhorst
  • Stephen Shaul

Contact

Isabel Schilg, MCCJ, LL.B

Project Manager