This brief outlines the most promising local prevention strategies and policy changes to prevent child sexual abuse from happening in the first place.  The recommendations are designed to shift social and cultural norms that increase the likelihood of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Sample recommendations include:

• Decrease the saturation of media messages aimed at children by reviewing and rolling back the legislation that allowed advertising to children especially in children’s television programming.
• Develop a rapid response media network to respond to breaking news with proactive prevention messages that incorporate an environmental and norms-based understanding of the causes and solutions of abuse.
• Require staff training in organizations that work with children and youth specifically focused on developmentally appropriate sexuality and sexual behavior.

  With support from the Ms. Foundation, this brief is based on findings from  a convening of national experts and local leaders, expert interviews, and a review of the literature.

Transforming Communities to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: A Primary Prevention Approach