Giulia Terragni

Protective carers’ knowledge of child sexual abuse: A two-study approach informing a ‘CSA-K prototype

Poster Session Abstract

In the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), Protective Carers (PCs) are relied upon to safeguard children and manage risks within the family. Their knowledge and understanding of CSA are under-researched areas, with no measure designed to assess this.

This paper presents findings from two studies exploring PCs’ knowledge. Study 1 identified key areas of CSA knowledge (Understanding CSA, Warning Signs, Responding to CSA), extracted and coded items from existing measures and organised these into a 45-item CSA-K prototype. Study 2 involved group interviews with nine practitioners, discussing essential knowledge for PCs and reviewed the CSA-K.

Thematic analysis found unanimous agreement for the need for such a tool, and agreement on the three knowledge-areas this tool should cover, though there was disagreement on the specific items assessing each area. These findings move the field closer to a standardised, evidence-based tool for enhancing the practice of those seeking to prevent CSA through PC interventions.

Biography

Giulia Terragni is an Assistant Psychologist specialising in child sexual abuse prevention through research and clinical practice. She created the CSA-K prototype, a tool designed to assess Protective Carers’ knowledge of CSA and is currently leading its refinement to a standardised measure.

Giulia also guided a preliminary evaluation of the Early Intervention programme delivered by LFF Wales and contributed to its publication in the Faithfull Papers series. Her clinical work includes delivering structured group interventions for men who sexually offended online and their loved ones, as well as providing tailored individual support. Back to Posters