Qualitative study reveals critical gaps in early identification of intrafamilial child sexual abuse, highlighting the necessity of trauma-informed public health safeguarding.
Intrafamilial child sexual offending is a hidden form of harm frequently missed within safeguarding systems. Prevention efforts remain largely reactive and centred on criminal justice responses. Drawing on research undertaken for the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s National Review I Wanted Them All to Notice (2024), this study examined how prevention and professional responses could be improved. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in prison with five individuals convicted of intrafamilial child sexual abuse (two fathers, one mother, one uncle and one brother). Reflexive thematic analysis examined retrospective accounts to identifying opportunities for stronger prevention, identification, or intervention. Three themes were developed: early adversity and developmental trauma, identifying and addressing risk factors, and the interplay of risk, responsibility, and help seeking. Findings support a whole-system, public health approach that strengthens universal services, professional confidence, and trauma-informed support.PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT Earlier identification of vulnerability, trauma, and emerging risk factors could strengthen child sexual abuse prevention efforts. Services should prioritise joined-up pathways between health, education, social care, and criminal justice agencies. Relational, sustained engagement is critical to effective safeguarding and reducing future harm in children who experience child sexual abuse.
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Cain et al. (2026) studied this question.
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