Researcher argues child sexual abuse can be prevented through collective action

Elizabeth J. Letourneau, who leads the MOORE research center at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, released a book asserting that child sexual abuse is not inevitable. Drawing on 38 years of study, she stresses that misconceptions about the issue impede effective prevention. Key findings include the importance of involved fathers and non-punitive, open communication with children, as well as the fact that a majority of offenses are perpetrated by peers rather than adults.

Letourneau emphasizes that preventing abuse requires coordinated effort from families, faith communities, and organizations, and that addressing risk factors for perpetrators is central to large-scale protection. The book also cites recent reductions in boundary-violating behaviors within major youth organizations as evidence that policy changes can lower abuse rates.