ABOUT PROTECTIVE PATHWAYS
Dr Julia Rudolph
I am a globally recognised expert in sexual abuse prevention and the creator of the Two Pathways Model, a groundbreaking framework that establishes a new direction for sexual abuse prevention, via safer spaces for children. With a PhD in sexual abuse prevention and 15 peer-reviewed international publications on sexual abuse, parenting, bullying, and adolescent mental health, I transform cutting-edge research into actionable strategies.
I have worked in child protection in Australia and the UK, where I saw the devastating effect of abuse on children and families. I have also worked in sexual abuse policy in federal government, and worked in research and evaluation for the QLD police.
As a sought-after speaker, I have delivered over 30 presentations to academic conferences, government departments, advocacy groups, and committees, including keynote addresses.
Unlike traditional approaches that focus on child education, I shift the focus to empowering parents to create safer spaces for children in everyday life. My work provides parents with clarity, confidence, and control, ensuring they can proactively safeguard their children.
The Two Pathways Model
Dr. Julia Rudolph’s Two Pathways Model provides a research-backed framework for keeping children safe:
🔹 Protective Parenting Pathway – Abuse prevention through the creation of safer spaces.
🔹 Child Wellbeing Pathway – Vulnerability reduction through child emotional wellbeing.
By combining safe spaces with wellbeing-building, this model describes how adults can prevent abuse before it occurs.
Parents as Protectors: A New Approach to Prevention
Sexual abuse is preventable! But it requires adults to create safe spaces where abuse cannot occur. Yet, many people simply don’t know where to start. That’s why I founded Protective Pathways—a powerful initiative that equips parents, caregivers, and those who work with children, with the knowledge and tools to recognise red flags and create safe spaces; taking action before harm occurs.
For too long, prevention efforts have placed the burden on children—teaching them to recognise, resist and report sexual abuse. While these messages have value, the reality is a child should never be responsible for their own safety and true prevention starts with adults taking action.
Through the Parents as Protectors program, I help adults:
🔹 Recognise early warning signs of grooming and abuse.
🔹 Create spaces where sexual abuse is less likely to occur.
Take Action
If you’ve ever wondered how to truly safeguard the children in your life, I invite you to take action. Together, we can create a world where every child grows up knowing that the adults around them see them, hear them, and will always protect them.
Dr. Julia Rudolph
Founder, Protective Pathways
Empowering Adults. Protecting Children.
OUR VISION
OUR OBJECTIVE
OUR OBJECTIVE
That all children and young people are protected from sexual abuse
OUR OBJECTIVE
OUR OBJECTIVE
OUR OBJECTIVE
To reduce the risk of sexual abuse through the involvement of protective adults and the creation of safe spaces
OUR VALUES
Sexual abuse prevention is NEVER a child’s responsibility.
We prioritise PROACTIVE prevention – stopping abuse before it happens.
PROTECTIVE ADULTS, especially PARENTS, are the key to keeping children safe.
SAFE SPACES reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse occurring.
TOGETHER we can create safe spaces.
