Elizabeth Letourneau, PhD

Child Sex Abuse: We Need Prevention, Not Just Punishment

Incarcerating adults who commit child sexual abuse costs the U.S. billions per year. Yet for every $3,125 we spend on punishment, we spend just $1 on prevention research.

Incarcerating adults who commit child sexual abuse costs the U.S. billions per year. Yet for every $3,125 we spend on punishment, we spend just $1 on prevention research.

Reframing Child Sex Abuse as a Preventable Public Health Issue

Child sexual abuse can only be reframed as a preventable public health problem with wider public understanding. A three-step approach can build awareness.

Child sexual abuse can only be reframed as a preventable public health problem with wider public understanding. A three-step approach can build awareness.

Professor’s Research Sparks Firestorm at Virginia College

Commentary: If we want to prevent child sexual abuse, we need to begin by supporting researchers who engage in this difficult but important work.

Commentary: If we want to prevent child sexual abuse, we need to begin by supporting researchers who engage in this difficult but important work.

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Receives Major Boost

A major grant recognizes child sexual abuse as a preventable public health priority.

A major grant recognizes child sexual abuse as a preventable public health priority.

New Principles to Reduce Child Sexual Abuse Risk

A new report and desk guide could help youth-serving organizations protect children from harm.

A new report and desk guide could help youth-serving organizations protect children from harm.

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse During COVID-19

When COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were issued, for the first time ever, half of the calls to the National Sexual Assault Hotline were made by children.

When COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were issued, for the first time ever, half of the calls to the National Sexual Assault Hotline were made by children.

A Life Without Violence: Not a Reality for Many Children

A partnership with Together for Girls, the CDC, and Johns Hopkins Moore Center is beginning to develop effective prevention and interventions on a global scale.

A partnership with Together for Girls, the CDC, and Johns Hopkins Moore Center is beginning to develop effective prevention and interventions on a global scale.

Child Sexual Abuse Perpetration Can Be Prevented

The time has come to enact effective perpetration prevention efforts.

The time has come to enact effective perpetration prevention efforts.

Can Improved Health Care Access Reduce Sexual Violence?

Might Medicaid expansion be associated with prevention of sexual violence?

Might Medicaid expansion be associated with prevention of sexual violence?

5 Takeaways from the Treatment of Sexual Abusers Conference

How might I benefit from attending a conference entitled, "Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers"? You might be surprised.

How might I benefit from attending a conference entitled, "Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers"? You might be surprised.