Identifying risk and deterrence factors among fathers and stepfathers who report sexual thoughts or feelings about their children

Preventing child sexual abuse perpetration has received growing attention, yet little research has focused on abuse occurring within families. This gap persists despite evidence that intrafamilial child sexual abuse accounts for a substantial proportion of cases and involves unique risk contexts, such as increased access to children. To address this, we examined risk characteristics among community-based men at elevated risk of committing contact sexual offences against children they parent. Using an online survey, we recruited a sample of 86 fathers and stepfathers through social media and a self-help website. Participants were eligible if they reported past or current sexual thoughts or feelings toward their child(ren). We examined factors associated with participants’ self-reported likelihood of engaging in sexual contact with their child (proclivity). Mean proclivity was 72.9% and was associated with sexual entitlement beliefs and family practices involving nudity, co-sleeping and shared bathing. Coping strategies and deterrence factors were also assessed.PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT Findings highlight treatment targets including risk-relevant family practices that are not addressed in existing perpetration prevention programmes. Addressing these factors in future interventions may strengthen secondary prevention efforts for intrafamilial child sexual abuse.