Triggers: situational and environmental risks

Posted by: Jenna Mackay
Published: 08/10/2024
Some places and situations present specific risks for individuals who:
  • have sexually abused children
  • have the urge to have sexual contact with a child
  • have sexual thoughts about a specific child
  • have sexual thoughts about children generally
Some examples of such situations include attending a family wedding where there are lots of children present or being asked to baby-sit; and these situations become even riskier if combined with inappropriate thoughts and feelings towards children. Situations can provide the ingredients for a chain of unhealthy behaviours and trigger the offence cycle. With this mind, it is vital to recognise what places and situations would be risky for you.

Exercise

On the worksheet:

  1. List what these places and situations would be
  2. Why they are risky
  3. What you would do to manage them
Place/SituationHow to manage
At home late at night, alone, with opportunity to masturbate.                      Do not masturbate, have a bath, read a good book.
 At a family wedding, children around, experiencing sexual urgesEnsure not left alone with any children, ensure there are always adults present, distract attention into adult conversation

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