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Implementation
been paid to the prevention of sexual abuse of children, the extent to which many preventative measures
actually prevent such abuse is not known. The greatest challenge with regard to prevention of sexual abuse
of children seems to lie in the way knowledge and expertise are translated into a policy of evidence-based
prevention. 15 In the present sub-section, we will discuss a number of prevention measures, geared towards
both the real and virtual worlds, with regard to each of the four prevention target groups, namely perpetrators,
victims, situations and communities. Although it goes without saying that these prevention measures
are broader in scope than the prevention of child pornography, in most cases they aim to prevent the sexual
abuse of children, and child pornography may form an element in such a situation. In particular, we will
examine the (proven) preventative effect of the preventative measures to be discussed.
3.2.2 Prevention measures aimed at perpetrators 16
The criminalisation of child abuse and child pornography is a form of primary prevention that affects
perpetrators. However, the preventative effect of the increase in the maximum sentences has not been
demonstrated. 17 After all, as far as many potential perpetrators are concerned, the immediate prospect of
gratification is far more compelling than the distant and indefinite risk of being subject to sanctions under
criminal law. 18 Moreover, experienced child abuse material collectors believe they are unassailable, judge
the likelihood of arrest as low, and have a low opinion of the (calibre of ) investigative authorities. 19 Many
preventative measures are focused on tertiary prevention with regard to perpetrators 20 ; such measures include
prosecution, punishment 21 and the prevention of recidivism. The most important aim of this tertiary
type of prevention is to prevent known perpetrators from being able to continue their activities or from
re-offending. Interventions that aim to prevent recidivism are discussed in §3.6. The focus of secondary
prevention is placed upon individuals who are at higher risk of sexually abusing children, but who have not
yet committed such an offence. The problem with preventative measures aimed at perpetrators is that the
focus upon convicted perpetrators seems to be at the expense of prevention with regard to individuals who
are at higher risk of committing their first sexual offence against children but have not yet done so. 22 In response
to Parliamentary questions 23 on this subject, the Minister for Public Health, Welfare & Sport cited a
statement from the Dutch Association of Psychologists (NIP), which ascertained that the support that is currently
available is primarily put into action when a paedophile 24 has already committed an offence. “Support
15 Smallbone et al., 2008, p.215; Finkelhor, 2009, pp.169-188; interview with Clemens Hosman in Movisie,
Experts over ontwikkelingen en trends in seks en sexueel geweld [Experts on developments and trends in sex and
sexual violence] (2010), pp.82-83.
16 Article 7 of the Lanzarote Convention obliges Parties to the Convention to ensure that individuals who
fear that they will commit one of the offences specified in the Convention have access to intervention
measures, see the Convention on the Protection of <strong>Child</strong>ren Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual
Abuse (Lanzarote Convention), Lanzarote, 25 October 2007, Treaty Series 2008, 58; Parliamentary Papers
II 2008/09, 31808, no.3, pp.6; see also §3.3.1.
17 Finkelhor, 2009, pp.175-76; Smallbone et al., 2008, p.200.
18 Smallbone et al., 2008, p.200.
19 Jenkins, 2001, pp.14-15. See also §1.4.2.
20 See §1.4.2 for further information regarding perpetrators.
21 Prosecution and punishment are discussed in §3.5.
22 Smallbone et al., 2008, p.205; Finkelhor, 2009, p.169.
23 Parliamentary Papers II 2010/11, 1801 and Parliamentary Papers II 2010/11, 1802.
24 See §1.4.2 regarding the distinction between paedophilia and paedosexuality.
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