First evaluation of a novel live-chat service for preventing child sexual abuse

Gregg, Tom, Kalebic, Natasha, Moore, Joshua W., Naldrett, Georgia, Edwards, Sarah, Findlater, Donald and Taylor, Pamela J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3998-6095 2026. First evaluation of a novel live-chat service for preventing child sexual abuse. Sexual Offending Theory Research and Prevention 21 , e15145. 10.5964/sotrap.15145

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Abstract

Live-chat services are increasingly used for prevention in healthcare. Systematic literature searching found them untested for preventing sexual abuse of children. Our aims were to compare anonymous cohorts using a new live-texting service or an established phoneline with the same prevention aims and drawing on the same responder pool, and explore chat qualities. In the first three months of live-chat, all 120 hours available were used. Chatters (n = 104) were significantly younger than phoneline-users (n = 985), over half of both groups help-seeking for their own inappropriate activities. Significantly fewer live-chat (49%) than phoneline-users (82%) reported any police involvement. Qualitative analysis of self-concerned chat transcripts suggested that, while psychological engagement with responders seemed unusual, 10%, returned on subsequent days and carried ideas between chats. Their core concern was of internal ‘struggle’, especially around self-identity, rendering some suicidal. In reaching undetected perpetrators, this first evaluation of live-chat in this context suggests greater primary preventive potential than the phoneline. As psychological engagement seems feasible, next steps should include developing engagement strategies.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Medicine
ISSN:	2699-8440
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 October 2026
Date of Acceptance:	2 February 2026
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2026 11:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189936

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