We are writing to you regarding if you would be interested in helping with a short, online research project (approximately 10-15 minutes of your time – only fifteen narrative questions).

I am a currently completing my MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology at the University of Bath, supervised by Professor Catherine Hamilton-Giachritsis (copied in), undertaking a research project on professionals’ perceptions and experiences of working with women with a sexual interest in children (SIC).

Background:

Paedohebephilia refers to adults having a sexual interest in a child up to the age of 18 years who cannot consent to sexual activity (Capra et al., 2014); this incorporates both paedophilia (pre-pubescent) and hebephilia (pubescent/ post-pubescent). All of these terms are commonly considered by the general public to mean someone who sexually offends against children. However, there are online communities of individuals who state that they are sexually interested in children but do not sexually offend against a child.

The term ‘Sexual Interest in Children [SIC]’ is the term used by these individuals. Additionally, although the majority of such adults are males, it is known that there are some females who say they have a sexual interest in children (SIC), some of whom are likely to offend and others who say they do not offend. However, there is a scarcity of research regarding such females due to the notion that so few women have these thoughts.

A prior study completed by my supervisor, Professor Catherine Hamilton-Giachritsis with April Coady found that some women who self-defined as having a SIC but said they had not sexually offended against a child wanted to access support, but almost none of them felt that it was helpful and/or could not access any support.

Aims:

Given that working with women with a SIC may benefit the individual but also may also help to protect children from harm, we are interested in views of professionals about what they see as the barriers to providing support.

Taking part:

The inclusion criteria:

- You have currently or previously worked (within the last 15 years) with women who have a sexual interest in children, who may or may not have offended against a child, in a therapeutic environment, and

- You are above the age of 18 years

If you chose to participate, please click on the link below and you will be taken to an information sheet, a consent form, followed by the online qualitative survey (which will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete in total), and lastly a debrief form.

Please see here for more information

Link to take part: https://uniofbath.questionpro.eu/t/AB3uy1HZB3waKG