Welcome to the Media Resources section.
Welcome to the Media Resources section of the ATSA website. This portion of atsa.com offers general information about ATSA and issues related to sexual abuse. Reporters also are encouraged to visit the links in the "Learn About" section of the website for more information on specific issues. If you are seeking specific information you do not find here, or would like to arrange to speak with a subject-matter expert for an article, please email ann@atsa.com.
The importance of research
Quality research is the foundation of effective assessment, treatment, management, policy, and strategies that prevent sexually abusive behaviors. ATSA supports the development of validated knowledge through sound research and the translation of existing and new research into evidence-based practice. ATSA encourages those involved in addressing the problem of sexual offending to adopt practices and policies consistent with the best available research and evidence, and to adapt their practices and approaches as new research and data emerge.
Support for sound research
ATSA supports research and dissemination of findings through grants, presentations at the annual ATSA conference, and the opportunity for researchers and practitioners to be published in ATSA’s highly ranked peer-reviewed journal Sexual Abuse. ATSA also offers its members a range of resources for sharing data, collaborating on issues, and seeking guidance.
Additional resources
More information about research into sexual abuse can be found in the Trending News and Research section of this site.
The importance of practice
Effective treatment of people who are at risk to sexually offend as well as those who have sexually offended is key to preventing future victimization and making society safer. ATSA supports the use of research-based and evidence-informed treatment known to reduce the likelihood of someone sexually offending. ATSA encourages those involved in addressing the problem of sexual abuse to adopt practices consistent with the best available evidence, and to adapt their approaches as new research and data emerge.
Support for effective practice
ATSA promotes effective practice through support for research, the development of standards and guidelines, and the production of ATSA’s highly ranked peer-reviewed journal, Sexual Abuse. Publications produced by ATSA to support practitioners include the ATSA Professional Code of Ethics; ATSA Practice Guidelines for the Assessment, Treatment, and Management of Male Adult Sexual Abusers; ATSA Practice Guidelines for Assessment, Treatment, and Intervention with Adolescents Who Have Engaged in Sexually Abusive Behavior; and a range of publications about best practices for treating special populations.
Additional resources
More information about the treatment of sexual abuse can be found in the Trending News and Research section of this site.
The importance of policy
Laws and policies are most effective at preventing sexual abuse and making society safer when they are based on sound research and data. ATSA supports educational efforts to assist decision makers in the development of research-informed and evidence-based laws and policies that have proved to be effective in preventing sexual abuse and making society safer.
Support for informed policy
Too frequently, laws and policies are reactive, and are developed in response to a traumatic, well-publicized event, rather than based on data. While such events demand a response, the response needs to be implemented in a balanced and informed manner that accomplishes the goal of making society safer and avoiding future victimization, while at the same time avoiding unintended negative consequences for the perpetrators such as homelessness and lack of employment opportunities. ATSA supports educational efforts to ensure decision makers have all the information they need to develop fact-based and well-considered laws and policies that appropriately sanction persons who commit sexual abuse and support and help victims.
Additional resources
More information about policies and laws that are effective at preventing sexual abuse can be found in the Trending News and Research section of this site.
The importance of collaboration
The prevention of sexual abuse requires a well-planned, comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and evidence-based approach. ATSA supports collaboration among a range of professionals, community members, and other stakeholders to develop evidence-based, well-considered, and multifaceted policies, practices, and approaches that help make society safer by preventing sexual abuse in all its forms.
Support for comprehensive collaboration
Sexual abuse is a complex public health issue that impacts everyone – individuals, communities, institutions, and society as a whole. As such, ATSA recognizes that no single strategy or discipline will be able to adequately address the problem of preventing individuals from sexually offending. For that reason, ATSA supports the participation of many and diverse stakeholders in the development of assessment, treatment, and management strategies and policies aimed at preventing sexual abuse and supporting the rehabilitation of individuals who offend as the best means of promoting long-term community safety.
Additional resources
More information about collaborative efforts to prevent sexual abuse can be found in the Trending News and Research section of this site.
Position Statements
- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of child sexual abuse in institutional settings (July 2018)
- Sex addiction, sexual abuse, and effective treatment (2017)
- Sex offender treatment for adult males (2016)
- Civil commitment (2015)
- Civil Commitment FAQ (2015)
- Civil commitment in context (2015)
- Civil commitment of sexual offenders: Introduction and overview (2015)
- Controversial issues with sexually violent predator (SVP) laws (2015)
- 8 things everyone should know about sexual abuse and sexual offenders (2014)
- Sexual offender residence restrictions (2014)
- Adolescents who have engaged in sexually abusive behavior: Effective policies and practices (2012)
- Pharmacological interventions with adult male sexual offenders (2012)
- Sexual abuse as a public health problem (2011)
- Civil commitment of sexually violent persons (2010)
- Internet-facilitated sexual offending (2010)
- The Registration and Community Notification of Adult Sex Offenders (2010)
Fact Sheets
- Children with Sexual Behavior Problems Fact Sheet
- Public Health Approach To Sexual Abuse/Assault Fact Sheet
The importance of advocacy
Laws and policies are most effective in improving public safety when they are based on sound research and data. ATSA works to enhance decision makers' understanding of sexual abuse, assist in the development of sexual abuse prevention strategies, and foster the implementation of effective treatment and management of offenders in the community. To help achieve these goals, ATSA offers legislatures and courts information about specific issues. These statements can be used to educate the public, as well as to offer consideration in the policy debates in administrative offices and in state and national legislatures. ATSA signs all amici briefs independent of other organizations who also may sign on to any particular brief.