| Abstract [eng] |
As the issue of child sexual exploitation persists, there is a growing number of initiatives aimed at re-evaluating existing child sexual abuse prevention strategies. Increasing attention is being directed towards individuals with a sexual interest in children, their need for support, and the provision of practical guidance for professionals working with this population, with the ultimate goal of reducing the incidence of sexual offences against children. The HEXAGON tool offers a structured framework that could support the implementation of such efforts. This study aims to analyze the characteristics and practical application of assessing risk and protective factors in individuals with sexual interest in children using the HEXAGON tool. To achieve the research objective, a focused group discussion was conducted. The discussion involved six professionals (5 women and 1 man) representing various institutions most likely to engage with individuals who are sexually interested in children, as well as with children who have been victims of sexual abuse. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Thematic analysis revealed four themes: professionals’ understanding of the individuals with sexual interest in children problem; practical application of assessing individuals sexually interested in children using the HEXAGON tool; practical implementation of the HEXAGON tool: perceived advantages; and practical implementation of the HEXAGON tool: perceived limitations. The study provides valuable insights into the applicability of the HEXAGON tool for assessing risk and protective factors related to criminal behavior among individuals with a sexual interest in children, thereby contributing to the development of more effective prevention measures aimed at protecting children from sexual violence. |
