The campaign "Kein Täter werden. Auch nicht im Netz" (english: "Don’t become an offender. Not even online") as part of the research and prevention project "Child Pornography Offenses – Prevention Project Dunkelfeld" by the Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine proves that sensitive issues can be put on the public agenda with limited resources and well-designed measures. With a scientific approach to popular questions and a rational prevention strategy, the project contributes to stopping sexual abuse resulting from the production and dissemination of child pornography. Potential child offenders are offered a perspective and a way to address their issue – before they consume child pornography and before they commit an actual assault. Both, users of child pornography and the public are alerted to the fact that every picture presumes an act of sexual violation against children.

The Charité first challenge was to find influential partners in the child protection community and among politicians willing to support a project touching upon a highly emotive topic. Furthermore, financial support was indispensable. After thorough research and preparation the scientific project and accompanying PR and media campaign commenced in June 2009 with a well attended press conference. A provocative TV spot was presented and the national press was informed about the research project and therapies available for potential offenders. Personal assistance to the large number of interested journalists ensured an extensive and accurate transmission of the campaign’s messages. Ads in professional journals, online banners on several web pages and lectures for professionals and political decision-makers raised the awareness for the goals of the Institute. Intensive professional presswork kept the subject on the public and the political agenda.

Important cooperation partners have been successfully recruited for the project. The child protection foundation Hänsel+Gretel and the Federal Ministry of Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth provided financial and professional support to the project. With online banners and a TV spot that gets right under the skin, the campaign communicates clearly: Child pornography is sexual abuse and thus a crime.

The Institute decided to combat this problem applying therapeutic methods to prevent child molestation. The first successes are apparent: three months after the press conference about 50 men have contacted the Institute.

Free publicity: 45 media articles in leading newspapers, TV, radio and online media (including: Süddeutsche Zeitung, tagesschau, NDR, Spiegel Online, Zeit online) have reported about this complex, sensitive issue. The spot has been aired free of charge by several broadcast units. In public and political discussion the project is often cited as an effective instrument to fight sexual child abuse.