“ReDirection” is a self-help program developed by the Finnish NGO “Protect Children”, and “Centrs Dardedze” is its national partner for the implementation of the program in Latvia.
The “ReDirection” self-help program is an anonymous, evidence-based online tool designed to help people stop viewing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). As a national partner, we help ensure that the program is accessible, reliable and effective in our local context.
Together with “Protect Children”, we work to prevent child sexual abuse and provide support to those who need it. The goal of the program is to reduce the risks of child sexual abuse by offering a safe and completely anonymous opportunity to change behavior before a crime occurs.
Research data
The content of the “ReDirection” program is based on innovative research conducted on the dark web, directly addressing people searching for CSAM. Since 2020, Protect Children has surveyed over 100,000 active offenders on the dark web, providing a unique insight into how people who use this material think and feel.
The research shows that many CSAM users are young:
- 2 out of 3 CSAM users are young men aged 18-24.
- 70% first saw this content when they were children.
Many CSAM users want to stop watching this material and are trying to change their behaviour:
- Almost 50% want to stop watching this content, but only 3% have ever received help.
- Almost 62% have tried to change their behaviour and stop watching CSAM.
The data shows that there is a link between watching CSAM and committing crimes in direct contact with a child, making it all the more important to stop it:
- 58% of respondents report fearing that watching CSAM could lead to sexual offences.
- 42% of respondents have sought direct contact with a child after watching CSAM.
The data supports the need for an anonymous, easily accessible support platform – a place where people can get support without fear of punishment.
Society has a duty to do everything possible to reduce the suffering of children and protect them from the risks of sexual abuse. Therefore, not only legal solutions, detection of crimes and punishment of perpetrators are important, but also preventive work that strengthens people’s internal and external control mechanisms – empathy, emotional self-regulation and social norms.
If so far in the field of prevention we have focused most of our attention on children’s knowledge and skills to protect themselves, as well as on educating parents and specialists, now with this program we want to place appropriate responsibility on the potential abuser, helping to stop the harmful behavior.
How does ReDirection work?
ReDirection is an anonymous online self-help program based on the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach. Its goal is to help users create a lifestyle that does not allow them to search for or view child sexual abuse material. The program teaches them how to manage their emotions, thoughts and behaviors in order to consciously change their lives and abandon harmful content.
The program is completely anonymous – users are not identified, IP data or personal information is not collected. The program provides self-help information and evidence-based exercises that help them understand the motives of their thoughts and behaviors, as well as learn ways to stop harmful behavior.
ReDirection is easily accessible and free. No special knowledge or equipment is required to start the program, and anyone can participate.
Visit the website: https://www.redirectionprogram.com