Abstract
Objectives
The main objective of this scoping review was to map interventions and strategies to promote sexual safety and reduce the risk of harm in health and social care settings and to critically examine the effect on reported outcomes.
Methods
This review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines on the conduct of a Scoping Review. Both empirical and grey literature were considered to capture the full extent of data on sexual safety. The PRISMA-ScR extension was used to guide the reporting of this review.
Results
In total, 18 studies (17 from databases and one grey literature report) were identified relating to the prevention or management of sexual safety incidents. Specific themes were: Staff education, training and awareness, sexual safety culture, sexual safeguarding (peer-to-peer and resident/client to staff), and national policy and system response. There is very limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness of interventions and prevention strategies to promote sexual safety in congregated health and social care settings, with sexual behavior and sexual abuse remaining taboo subjects that are under recognized and often inadequately managed at both individual and system levels. The importance of staff training incorporating the voice of victims, organizational procedures and leadership on safeguarding, and the need for national monitoring and system readiness is highlighted.
Conclusion
Sexual safety in congregated settings is complex, requiring evidence-based and multifaceted interventions, supported by comprehensive stakeholder engagement. Diverse approaches require layered responses to balance the rights of potential victims and perpetrators based on detailed and sensitive risk assessment. Research priorities informed by advocacy and stakeholder involvement are needed to develop sexual safety programmes to improve practice and environmental safety for all.
The main objective of this scoping review was to map interventions and strategies to promote sexual safety and reduce the risk of harm in health and social care settings and to critically examine the effect on reported outcomes.
Methods
This review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines on the conduct of a Scoping Review. Both empirical and grey literature were considered to capture the full extent of data on sexual safety. The PRISMA-ScR extension was used to guide the reporting of this review.
Results
In total, 18 studies (17 from databases and one grey literature report) were identified relating to the prevention or management of sexual safety incidents. Specific themes were: Staff education, training and awareness, sexual safety culture, sexual safeguarding (peer-to-peer and resident/client to staff), and national policy and system response. There is very limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness of interventions and prevention strategies to promote sexual safety in congregated health and social care settings, with sexual behavior and sexual abuse remaining taboo subjects that are under recognized and often inadequately managed at both individual and system levels. The importance of staff training incorporating the voice of victims, organizational procedures and leadership on safeguarding, and the need for national monitoring and system readiness is highlighted.
Conclusion
Sexual safety in congregated settings is complex, requiring evidence-based and multifaceted interventions, supported by comprehensive stakeholder engagement. Diverse approaches require layered responses to balance the rights of potential victims and perpetrators based on detailed and sensitive risk assessment. Research priorities informed by advocacy and stakeholder involvement are needed to develop sexual safety programmes to improve practice and environmental safety for all.
| Original language | English (Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-25 |
| Number of pages | 25 |
| Journal | International Journal of Sexual Health |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 22 Jul 2026 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
-
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production -
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Keywords
- Sexual safety
- Prevention
- Older adult
- Intellectual disability
- Mental health
- Scoping review
- [NursingMidwifery]
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Prevention of sexual safety incidents within older adult, disability and mental health care settings: a scoping review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Cite this
- APA
- Author
- BIBTEX
- Harvard
- Standard
- RIS
- Vancouver