How Online Help Keeps Child Abusers Away from Reoffending

Web-based programs can really help people with mental health issues. But the thing is, many people don't even start or finish these programs. Researchers wanted to know how well an online program called @myTabu worked for people who had committed child sexual abuse or used child sexual exploitation material. This program aims to lower the chances of these individuals reoffending. The study looked at 113 people who were part of a bigger test. They found that 81% of these people logged into the program within 8 weeks of getting their login details. Those who didn't login seemed less ready for treatment and less confident about using the technology.

Interestingly, 15% of the participants finished all the sessions within the first 5 weeks. On average, people logged in on 6 different days and did 2 sessions. The more ready someone was for treatment, the more days they logged in and the more sessions they completed. This study shows that online interventions can be useful in the criminal justice system. It also highlights the importance of making sure people are ready for treatment and can use the technology.

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