Rigorously Evaluating Approaches to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Problematic Sexual Behavior among Youth

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control is soliciting research proposals to evaluate programs and policies aimed at the primary prevention of child sexual abuse or problematic sexual behavior among youth. Funded researchers must conduct rigorous evaluations of primary prevention initiatives addressing child sexual abuse in digital spaces, commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking in digital spaces, or organizational policy approaches in youth-serving organizations. This research aims to strengthen the overall evidence base for preventing sexual victimization and inappropriate sexual behaviors among children under the age of eighteen. The agency expects to award approximately three grants with an estimated total program funding of $4,800,000 and an award ceiling of $400,000 per award. Applications must be submitted electronically by December 1, 2026, and inquiries can be directed to Dr. Candis M. Hunter at ncipc_erpo@cdc.gov.