The aim of WASAPP was to synthesise current evidence and generate new evidence about intervening early in problematic or harmful sexual behaviour, and to apply that evidence to the codesign of an online early intervention service for children and young people worried about their sexual behaviours.

Objectives were to: 

1. Explore pathways to onset of harmful sexual behaviour;

2. Determine components of an online early intervention service for children and young people worried about their sexual thoughts and behaviours; and

3. Implement and trial an online early intervention service for children and young people worried about their sexual thoughts and behaviours. 

Publications:

McKibbin, G., Green, J., Humphreys, C. & Tyler, M. (2024). Pathways to onset of harmful sexual behavior. Victims & Offenders, 1-39,  doi:10.1080/15564886.2023.2208579

McKibbin, G., Tyler, M., Gallois, E., Spiteri-Staines, A., Humphreys, C. & Green, J. (2022). “Frantic online searches for help”: Design considerations for an online early intervention service addressing harmful sexual behaviour. Journal of Sexual Aggression, 1-13, doi: 10.1080/13552600.2022.2102682 

McKibbin, G., Humphreys, C., Tyler, M. & Spiteri-Staines, A. (2022). Clusters of risk associated with harmful sexual behaviour onset for children and young people: Opportunities for early intervention. Journal of Sexual Aggression, 1-12, doi: 10.1080/13552600.2022.2117429 

Link: https://jss.org.au/programs/the-mens-project/whats-ok-australia/  

Researcher:

Gemma McKibbin

Funding:

This project is funded by the Jesuit Social Services, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Daniel Morcombe Foundation & Neilson Foundation.

Contact: Dr Gemma McKibbin

T: 0437 281 543

E: gemma.mckibbin@unimelb.edu.au