Toronto, ON – June 5, 2024 – Talking for Change, a leading Canadian organization committed to preventing child sexual abuse, is thrilled to announce its participation in the newly launched Prevention Global initiative. This groundbreaking program, spearheaded by the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, aims to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of child sexual abuse prevention programs worldwide.

Prevention Global is a major research initiative and online resource hub designed to support the prevention of child sexual abuse worldwide. With the generous funding from the Oak Foundation, one of the world’s largest investments in child sexual abuse prevention research, the initiative will evaluate seven high-potential prevention programs over the next 18 months. Talking for Change is honored to be one of the selected programs for this critical evaluation.

“We are immensely proud to be part of Prevention Global,” said Dr. Ainslie Heasman, program lead at Talking for Change. “This opportunity allows us to demonstrate the impact of our innovative approach in preventing child sexual abuse before it occurs. By participating in this global initiative, we are taking a significant step towards breaking the cycle of abuse and helping individuals lead healthier, safer lives.”

Talking for Change is dedicated to helping individuals before their sexual interests in children lead to abuse and legal problems. Traditional methods often only provide support after legal involvement, but Talking for Change focuses on early intervention. This proactive approach aims to prevent abuse and use of child sexual abuse material and supports youth and adults in managing their thoughts and behaviours in a safe and healthy manner.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our support, Talking for Change is here to help. We provide compassionate, non-judgmental assistance to individuals across Canada. Visit TalkingForChange.ca for more information and to start an anonymous conversation with our trained professionals. Let’s work together to prevent child sexual abuse before it starts.

Media Contact:

Kevin Den Heijer
Senior Consultant
EnterpriseHealth
613-805-4374
Kdenheijer@enterprisecanada.com

About Talking for Change:

Talking for Change is a program supported by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and is dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse by offering early intervention and support to individuals concerned about their attractions or behaviour before children are abused and to stop the use of child sexual abuse material. Our compassionate, non-judgmental phone and chat line is available in over 25 languages, helping individuals across Canada lead healthier, safer lives. Free assessment and therapy are also offered in multiple provinces/territories.

About the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse:

Established in 2012 at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse works to demonstrate that child sexual abuse is preventable, not inevitable. Our mission is to prevent child sexual abuse through targeted endeavors in research, education, communications, advocacy, and policy.

About The Royal:

The Royal is one of Canada’s foremost mental health care teaching and research hospitals and is home to the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research. In collaboration with clients, families, and community partners, The Royal expands access to leading-edge, evidence-based care for those with mental health and substance use issues.