Project VERANDA: Requirement Analysis Survey

This study, Project VERANDA, is looking into a sensitive topic: why people who have a sexual interest in children (SIIC) might not get the professional help they need. Sometimes, people with SIIC worry about being judged or even reported to the authorities if they talk about their feelings. This fear can stop them from seeking therapy, which is a shame because therapy can be very helpful in managing these thoughts and reducing risks to children.

The main goal of this project is to figure out what gets in the way of people with SIIC getting therapy, and how we can make it easier for them. The study is particularly interested in whether anonymous online therapy could help. They want to know if being able to talk to a therapist without revealing their identity would make people with SIIC more willing to open up and get support. This is important because therapy can lead to better well-being, reduce the use of harmful content, and lower the risk of harm to children.

To do this, the researchers are asking people with SIIC, therapists, and the general public to complete a confidential online survey. They want to understand what therapy options people prefer online, what personal factors influence these choices (like trust), and if there are differences in opinions between these groups. All the information collected will be kept private and anonymous, meaning no one will know who participated. The team has taken steps to ensure privacy and data security, following strict rules like the EU General Data Protection Regulation.