A recent study conducted in Estonia highlighted significant disparities in awareness regarding child sexual abuse and the available support services for victims. While the general understanding of what constitutes child sexual abuse is relatively high among the population, men and residents of larger cities often demonstrate a lack of knowledge about the available assistance and signs of abuse. This indicates a concerning gap in the education and outreach related to these critical issues, especially given the sensitivity surrounding discussions of abuse and its implications for boys, whose experiences are frequently overlooked.

The research indicates that parents of young children exhibit notably higher levels of awareness and preparedness when it comes to preventive measures against child sexual abuse. These parents understand both the importance of educating their children about body parts and the need to have open discussions regarding consent and boundaries. However, the findings suggest that there is a pressing need to engage more men in preventive and awareness-raising initiatives. The underrepresentation of men in social work and related fields also signifies an opportunity to improve the effectiveness of support systems by emphasizing the importance of involving a broader range of demographics in these conversations.

Overall, the study calls for a tailored approach to prevention and assistance seeking, recognizing that boys may be less likely to speak out about their experiences. It stresses the necessity for targeted educational programs that not only focus on children but also encourage parents, especially fathers, to actively participate in conversations about sexual abuse, thereby fostering a more informed and proactive community that can effectively support victims and prevent abuse from occurring in the first place.