Welcome to this special issue of the ATSA Forum dedicated to international perspectives on sexual abuse. The issue is authored in large part by members of ATSA’s International Committee, the chair of which is Kieran McCartan. You will find the articles address international issues directly, represent international perspectives, or are authored by professionals and students from around the world, representing eight countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, UK, and USA.

In this issue, the International Committee provides an update on the busy year they’ve had and what is in store, including a panel at the upcoming conference on community reintegration. Additionally, a two-part article summarizes the results of the international members’ survey. Part one describes ATSA’s international members, including practitioner knowledge, training and experience. In part two, practitioners’ attitudes to and understandings of community integration are summarized.

A feature article authored by Katherine Gotch, Margaret Anne Laws, Karla Lopez, and Kieran McCartan examines international approaches to registration and disclosure legislation and practice. We also hear from Carla Xella about CoNTRAS-TI’s 1st Conference: A Network Against Sexual Abuse. Knowledge, Assessment, Prevention. This hugely successful conference brought together stakeholders from across the country and abroad to examine sexual abuse and prevention in Italy.

The standing columns give us some insight into innovative work happening internationally. The Clinical Corner column is authored by Wineke Smid, Nina ten Hoor, and Kasia Uzieblo, and describes their promising work using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as part of the treatment for individuals who commit sexual abuse. Our student voice column is authored by Canadian Brandon Sparks from the University of Saskatchewan. He describes his research into individuals who identify with the Incel group. Not only does Brandon help us understand more about the culture of this group, but also how he begins the conversation about research into their behaviour and the potential for harm.

In this issue we have two book reviews that represent work from abroad in the case of the Hollomotz book. Here, Becky Palmer reviews collaborative approaches to understanding vulnerability to sexual abuse with those diagnosed with learning/cognitive disabilities. In his review, David Prescott takes a look back at a seminal book, International Perspectives on the Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Offenders, edited by Boer, Eher, Craig, Miner, & Pfäfflin.

This issue is all about perspective. Not only does it remind us of the foundational work happening around the world, but it also highlights new approaches and areas of exploration in an increasingly diverse, and yet integrated, world. I hope you enjoy this issue of the Forum. As always, I look forward to reading your articles and I am happy to work with you on developing ideas for a Forum piece. 

Heather M. Moulden

ATSA Forum Editor