When ATSA talks about prevention, we are talking about efforts to stop the perpetration of unhealthy, harmful, dangerous, and illegal sexual behaviors and actions that harm others. Through this lens it becomes apparent that everything ATSA does is a form of prevention. Through Research, Treatment, and Public Policy

The goal of prevention is to identify the factors that contribute to – and inhibit – sexual abuse, and use that knowledge to stop sexual abuse before it can begin. These factors are often referred to as “risk” and “protective” factors for perpetration.

It is also is important to understand the risk and protective factors for victimization. A sound, comprehensive, prevention program enhances and assists protective factors and reduces (and in many cases, eliminates) the identified risk factors.