Our research program
Understanding sexually harmful behaviours
We study how sexually harmful behaviours develop, persist, and change—and how evidence can improve prevention, assessment, policy, and practice.
Research overview
Studying sexual harm across people, relationships, and systems
Sexually harmful behaviours are shaped by interacting individual, interpersonal, family, technological, institutional, and social influences. Our research examines these influences across different behaviours and populations rather than assuming that findings from one group apply to everyone.
We also respond to emerging issues, including technology-facilitated sexual offending, artificial intelligence, written sexual materials, sexting, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
How we conduct research
Methods suited to consequential questions
Development and change over time
Longitudinal designs help us examine pathways, change, reassessment, and outcomes rather than relying only on cross-sectional snapshots.
Multiple sources of evidence
We use quantitative and qualitative approaches, population-based data, family and sibling designs, administrative records, surveys, and meta-analysis.
Real-world partnerships
Partnerships with academic, government, correctional, forensic mental health, community, and industry organizations support relevant questions and knowledge exchange.
Research areas
Explore our program
Select a topic for current research questions, projects, publications, and supporting grants.
Online sexual offending
Technology-facilitated sexual offending, online solicitation, child sexual exploitation material, deterrence, and emerging digital environments.
Risk assessment and change
Risk assessment tools, dynamic risk factors, change over time, measurement, calibration, progress monitoring, and fair application.
Sexual behaviour within families
Incest, sexual behaviour between siblings, family processes, developmental context, cross-cultural research, and prevention.
Sexting and non-consensual sharing
Sexting, unsolicited sexual materials, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, decision-making, prevention, and digital safety.
Pathways and causal candidates
Individual, interpersonal, developmental, and situational factors that may contribute to—or protect against—sexually harmful behaviours.