optimusstudy.org

Objectives of the Optimus Study

Incidence and prevalence

The Optimus Study will collect information on the frequency as well as the types of sexual abuse cases involving children and young people. The survey is designed to place sexual abuse in the context of other forms of violence. In doing so, risk and protection factors are to be developed in order to derive scientifically supported measures for prevention and intervention.

In addition to this, official data on registered cases of sexual attacks will be compiled in order to estimate the number of new cases that become officially known each year. This part of the study is also intended to provide the basis for tracking changes in the number of cases as well as the structure of the support system over time.

Methodical questions

The study will also contribute towards further research by addressing methodical questioning. To this day, those in scientific circles are still not in agreement as to what should be classified as a sexual assault (operational definition) or how surveys in this area can be conducted most reliably. In order to clarify such issues, meetings will be conducted with leading experts over the course of the project.

Bridging the gap between theory and practice

Through targeted collaboration with representatives of interest groups, practitioners and victims, the Optimus Study is incorporating the concerns and voices of various groups and, in doing so, is striving to reduce the chasm between academic theory and practice. Informational campaigns are intended to draw attention to the subject at various levels and to sensitize the public as well as experts and caregivers.