Child Sexual Abuse Research Articles

May and Bay: Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Southeast Asia — Using Digital Games in Preventative Education

May and Bay: Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Southeast Asia — Using Digital Games in Preventative Education

Prostitusi Daring: Antara Kemajuan Teknologi dan Dampak Sosial

Digital prostitution is an activity that involves the use of the internet to direct someone to prostitution or digital prostitutes. Because of the very easy and free access, and the existence of websites or forums that specifically focus on the world of online prostitution. Society needs to be aware of the normalization and glamorization of digital prostitution in online culture that can undermine healthy views and values regarding sexuality and relationships. Our research method uses the System Literature Review (SLR) research method. It is important for the government and society to work together to create effective regulations and adequate protection for sex workers. Education and awareness about the risks and social impacts of digital prostitution also need to be improved. It is important to change perceptions and values relating for human integrity and dignity. It has negative impacts on the individuals involved, such as damaging their physical and emotional health, spreading sexuality transmitted diseases, and hindering educational and career opportunities. There are social impacts including the objectification of women and a decline in moral values. The demand for illegal sexual services can also contribute to human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children.

PACTA SUNT SERVANDA: EVALUATING PAKISTAN’S REPORTING ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE WITHIN THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD FRAMEWORK

This article critically assesses the extent to which Pakistan has complied with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and focuses on the principle of pacta sunt servanda, which advocates thorough and faithful performance of the covenants entered by a party. The article’s focus is on the measures that have been established under the provision of the CRC by Pakistan to protect children from sexual abuse. However, the contention remains whether Pakistan as a member of CRC effectively utilizes the legislature in the course of protecting a child from sexual abuse under CRC. The recommendations of this article entail a firm comparison between the provisions of the legislation of Pakistan and those of CRC regarding the protection of children from sexual abuse. This article assesses the reports prepared by Pakistan on CRC requirements and submitted periodically to the CRC Committee. This article seeks to establish to what extent these reports show Pakistan in abidance with Pacta sunt servanda as well as the principles of the CRC encompassing the protection of children from sexual abuse. The concluding observations of the CRC Committee in case of consideration of the country reports of Pakistan are explained in detail to decipher the legal nakedness and the lack of enforcement approach to child sexual abuse in the country. The conclusions of this article draw this realization that it is high time that the country enhances its laws that would align with the international obligations of Pakistan under the CRC.

Characterizing Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Child Sexual Abuse in Mexico City Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Characterizing Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Child Sexual Abuse in Mexico City Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Understanding the Perceptions of IsiXhosa-Speaking Caregivers on Disclosing Child Sexual Abuse in the Western Cape, South Africa

Understanding the Perceptions of IsiXhosa-Speaking Caregivers on Disclosing Child Sexual Abuse in the Western Cape, South Africa

Factors influencing adult cognitive appraisals of childhood sexual abuse

BackgroundAdult appraisals of their childhood sexual experiences as abusive are associated with increased risk for long-term psychological problems. Factors that underlie whether adults appraise their childhood sexual experiences as abusive remain unknown. ObjectiveTo determine factors associated with adult cognitive appraisals of childhood sexual abuse. Participants and settingParticipants were 1196 adults ages 19–41 (M = 29.23, SD = 3.84) with documented cases of childhood maltreatment (sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect) during the years 1967–1971 and demographically matched controls who were followed-up and interviewed in adulthood. MethodsUsing a prospective cohort design, participants were asked to recall whether they had any sexual experiences in childhood, and if so, the frequency of abuse, age at the onset of abuse, relationship to perpetrator, and whether they appraised the experiences as sexually abusive. ResultsOver half of the sample (52%) reported childhood sexual experiences, yet only 44% considered those experiences sexually abusive. Participants with documented cases of child sexual abuse and neglect were more likely to appraise their childhood sexual experiences as abusive compared to controls. Participants who reported more severe abuse, more frequent abuse, younger age at the onset of abuse, and intrafamilial and both intra- and extrafamilial abuse (vs. extrafamilial abuse) were more likely to consider their experiences abusive. Compared to males and Black participants, females and White participants were more likely to appraise their experiences as abusive. ConclusionsUnderstanding factors that determine adult cognitive appraisals of childhood sexual experiences as abusive can inform clinical interventions for maltreated populations.

Testing a hybrid risk assessment model: Predicting CSAM offender risk from digital forensic artifacts

BackgroundRecent research argues for a formalized hybrid risk assessment model that combines the current online child sex abuse risk measures with digital forensics artifacts. ObjectiveWe conducted a feasibility study as an initial step toward formalizing the hybrid risk assessment model by identifying high-level digital forensic artifacts that have the potential to be valid and reliable indicators of risk, with a focus on CPORT Items 5, 6, and 7. DataLaw enforcement investigators from a High Tech Crime Unit (HTCU) randomly selected seven closed cases; selection criteria included: male offender over 18, mobile device, child sexual abuse material (CSAM) offense, and 2019–2023 index offense. Investigation details related to probable cause, final charges, conviction, and offender risk were not disclosed. Statistical information (f, %) for the following digital forensics artifacts was examined: 1) pornography collection (e.g., % of media, content type, gender ratio) and 2) evidence of networking/grooming and other problematic online activities (e.g., number of native messages vs. application messages; type of installed apps). MethodThe analysis predicted whether the offender was a CSAM-only or dual offender and if our findings agreed with the level of risk for reoffending suggested by CPORT Items 5, 6, and 7. Results were shared with the HTCU and scored for accuracy. ResultsThe hybrid model was accurate in 6 of 7 cases. ConclusionWe conclude a hybrid model is feasible, and the findings illustrate the importance of analyzing app artifacts for context. Study limitations and future research recommendations are discussed.

The impact of parental acceptance and childhood maltreatment on mental health and physical pain in Burundian survivors of childhood sexual abuse

BackgroundParental support has been suggested to mitigate mental and physical consequences following childhood sexual abuse (CSA). However, many CSA survivors experience parental rejection post-CSA. ObjectiveWe aimed to understand the impact of abuse-specific parental acceptance on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical pain in Burundian CSA-survivors. We further assessed the significance of parental acceptance among known risk factors for predicting PTSD. Methods, participants, and settingsParticipants (N = 131, 80.9 % female, mean age 16.21 years) were recruited via primary health care centers for survivors of sexual violence which survivors approached post-CSA. Survivors reported on PTSD symptoms, daytime/nighttime pain, and adverse childhood experiences in semi-structured interviews. Parental acceptance levels were categorized (acceptance, no acceptance, no contact) for mothers and fathers separately. Kruskal-Wallis tests assessed group differences. Conditional random forests (CRF) evaluated the significance of parental acceptance in predicting PTSD symptom severity. ResultsNo significant differences regarding PTSD symptoms and physical pain between levels of maternal acceptance were obtained. Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in PTSD symptom severity between paternal acceptance and no acceptance (d = 1.04) and paternal acceptance and no contact (d = 0.81). The CRF identified paternal acceptance as important variable for the prediction of PTSD symptom severity. Even though results were less conclusive, medium effect sizes hint at less pain perception within the paternal acceptance group. ConclusionsThe results highlight paternal acceptance as a potential risk or protective factor regarding psychological and possibly physical well-being in the aftermath of CSA, even in the context of other known risk factors.

Minority Stress, Psychological Distress, Sexual Compulsivity, and Avoidance-Based Motivations Associated with Methamphetamine Use Among Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV: Examining Direct and Indirect Associations Using Cross-Sectional Structural Equation Modeling

Objective Sexual minority men (SMM) living with HIV report significantly greater methamphetamine use compared with heterosexual and HIV-negative peers. Greater use may be related to stressors (e.g., HIV-related stigma) faced by SMM living with HIV and subsequent psychological and behavioral sequelae. We tested an integrated theoretical model comprised of pathways between stigma, discrimination, childhood sexual abuse, psychological distress, sexual compulsivity, and cognitive escape in predicting methamphetamine use among SMM living with HIV. Methods Among 423 SMM living with HIV, we tested a structural equation model examining factors hypothesized to be directly and indirectly associated with methamphetamine use. Analyses were adjusted for demographic covariates and sampling bias. Results The model showed good fit (CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.01). Heterosexist discrimination was associated with psychological distress (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) and psychological distress was associated with sexual compulsivity (β = 0.33, p < 0.001). Sexual compulsivity was associated with cognitive escape (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), which was associated with methamphetamine use (β = 0.51, p < 0.001). Psychological distress was associated with methamphetamine use via serial indirect effects of sexual compulsivity and cognitive escape (β = 0.05, p < 0.05). Conclusions Heterosexist discrimination contributed to psychological distress among SMM living with HIV. Psychological distress is linked to methamphetamine use via sexual compulsivity and cognitive avoidance. Interventions seeking to reduce the likelihood that SMM living with HIV use methamphetamine should include coping strategies specific to heterosexism and related psychological distress.

An investigation of healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the role of technology in child sexual abuse

ABSTRACT Evidence suggests an increasing involvement of technology and online activities in child sexual abuse (CSA); however, empirical knowledge of the phenomenon is limited. This study investigated the role technology/online activities play in CSA, from the perspectives of healthcare professionals. Fifteen multidisciplinary healthcare professionals specialising in CSA assessment and therapy for children and adolescents completed a semi-structured interview. Results indicate technology and online activities can feature in the facilitation, perpetration, and aftermath of CSA in various ways, presenting unique challenges for victims, caregivers, and involved professionals. A range of complexities were noted in relation to CSA where there is a cyber component (e.g. permanence and reach of CSA images online), and implications for assessment and therapy at the child, parent/guardian, and clinician levels (e.g. tolerating uncertainty regarding images existing online). These findings are summarised in a diagrammatic framework, alongside priorities and prerequisites for addressing the problem of online/technology-assisted CSA.

Peran Perhimpunan Bangsa-Bangsa Asia Tenggara dalam Menanggulangi Eksploitasi Perempuan dan Anak

Human trafficking, especially the exploitation of women and children, is a serious problem that threatens humanity in the ASEAN region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has an important role in tackling this phenomenon. This research aims to analyze ASEAN's role in tackling human trafficking, with a focus on the exploitation of women and children, as well as to identify challenges and provide recommendations for improvement. The research method used is the normative juridical method, which examines various legal materials as the main basis for answering research problems. A statutory and conceptual approach is used to examine relevant legal instruments and examine concepts related to human trafficking, human rights, and the protection of women and children. Data was collected through document studies and secondary literature, then analyzed qualitatively to evaluate ASEAN's role and effectiveness in tackling human trafficking. The research results show that ASEAN has adopted various legal instruments, including the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP), but implementation and coordination between member countries is still a major challenge. The role of civil society and non-governmental organizations is also important in supporting efforts to combat human trafficking in the ASEAN region. Recommendations are suggested to strengthen policy implementation, increase regional cooperation, and strengthen protection for victims, especially women and children.

(127) TRAUMA INFORMED CARE TO REDUCE ANTEPARTUM COMPLICATIONS IN SURVIVORS OF TRAUMA

Abstract Introduction Life trauma permeates through society and across cultures. It impacts the individual, community, and society. Trauma may include but is not limited to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), sexual assault and violence, domestic violence, and interpersonal violence (IPV). In the United States, 1 in 3 women experience physical IPV, 1 in 4 experience sexual assault, and 17% of adults have experienced 4 or more ACEs (CDC 2022, 2023). Experiencing trauma leads to a cascade of effects that infiltrate every aspect of life and causes higher levels of chronic stress. In those who are pregnant or giving birth, a history of trauma, particularly sexual assault, leads to adverse antepartum outcomes. Objective After this presentation, the learner will be able to: 1. Define trauma (ACEs, sexual assault, DV, IPV). 2. State the signs and symptoms of trauma. 3. Identify the antepartum complications associated with a history of trauma. 4. Explain the impact that a history of sexual assault has on the birth giver. 5. Define trauma informed care. 6. Identify the components of trauma informed care. 7. State the importance of using trauma informed care as a midwife and WHNP. Methods The methods used to address this topic include a literature review and podium style presentation of findings. Results Main findings include increased rates of miscarriage, preterm birth, post traumatic stress disorder, placental abruption, premature rupture of membranes, and low birth weight in pregnant survivors of past trauma. Additionally, the dynamic interplay between the Social Determinants of Health and violence experienced during pregnancy must be considered. Low household income, racism, lack of social support, as well as food and housing insecurity increased rates of intimate partner violence experienced during pregnancy. Trauma informed care has been shown to reduce psychological symptom severity and has been integrated into midwifery care to attempt to reduce these outcomes and prevent further traumatization of the client. Conclusions As pregnancy and childbirth are intimate and personal in nature, using a trauma informed model of care is crucial to identifying clients with trauma histories and caring for them in a manner that is cognizant of their lived experiences and potential antepartum outcomes. Future providers must receive adequate education and training regarding trauma informed care in an effort to prevent adverse outcomes and prevent re-traumatization of their clients. Disclosure No.

Adverse childhood experiences as precursors to cannabis use in adulthood: A systematic review

BackgroundIndividuals with a history of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at risk of subsequent cannabis use. However, at present no existing systematic review explores ACEs as they relate to cannabis use. ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review paper is to examine how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact rates, patterns, and the nature of cannabis use in adulthood. MethodsGuided by the PRISMA statement, this systematic review focuses on longitudinal studies that report cannabis use in adulthood. Databases searched include PubMed and Embase. ResultsUltimately, 28 manuscripts were selected for inclusion, ranging in scope from smaller community-focused studies to nationally representative longitudinal surveys; 22 of 28 studies occurred in the United States, with sample size ranging from 303 to 15,960 participants. Instruments used to assess ACEs and cannabis use varied considerably across studies, leading to loss of consistency. Nevertheless, presence of ACEs–childhood sexual abuse in particular–was consistently associated with cannabis use later in life. Frequency and severity of ACEs was found to exert an additive cumulative effect on severity of cannabis use. ConclusionsThis systematic review lays the foundation of the current state of the science regarding ACEs and cannabis use, which can provide further insight into a better understanding of this relationship and provide potential intervention opportunities.

The words may limit our understanding: reflexive research, affect and embodied writing

Drawing on a reflexive and embodied approach, this article examines the researcher’s narrative inquiry, consisting of the conflicting feelings and messy thoughts that arose through her interviews with adults who had experienced child sexual abuse. The article highlights how embodied writing can enable access to other worlds by activating the physical senses and bringing researchers back to core bodily ways of knowing; these latter may be evoked by preconceptions, entangled discourses and social views and taboos concerning child sexual abuse. The article speaks to the emerging field of Embodied Critical Thinking and the concept of emotional reflexivity in qualitative research on sensitive, challenging and difficult topics.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Child Abuse: A Descriptive-Analytical Study in Ilam Province, Iran, in 2020

Background and aims: Child abuse is one of the major health and social problems in all countries, which is affected by a set of cultural, social, and family factors and some characteristics of children. The present study was performed to determine factors related to child abuse in Ilam province. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was designed in 2020 in Ilam province, Iran. Ninety-nine children who had a document of child abuse in social emergency centers were included in the study by the census method. In addition, one hundred and thirty-three children of similar age were selected from the community level by the multi-stage sampling method. The required data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed, and a significant level of less than 5% was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, 53.5% of participants were in the non-abused group, and 46.5% were in the abused children group. Neglect and emotional abuse were the most common types among the abused children. A significant difference was reported between all kinds of child abuse in the abused and non-abused groups (P&lt;0.001). There was a significant relationship between the number of family members with both sexual and nutritional child abuse (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Overall, family, economic, and social factors are related to child abuse. Social service counselors recommend the introduction of these factors during the consultation with parents.

Empowering parents of children with disabilities: assessing the impact of a child sexual abuse psychoeducation program in Türkiye

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive problem that can have detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of children, as well as their families. Parents of children with disabilities (CWD) may face additional challenges in protecting their children from sexual abuse. This study aimed to examine the effects of a CSA psychoeducation program for parents of CWD. The program was designed to increase parental knowledge and attitudes towards CSA and prevention strategies, as well as to decrease parents’ anxiety regarding the topic. A total of 93 parents of CWD participated in the study, with 45 being randomly assigned to the experimental group and 48 to the control group. The findings suggest that the CSA psychoeducation program was effective in increasing parental knowledge and attitudes towards CSA prevention strategies. The experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group in all domains of the Child sexual abuse knowledge/attitude scale for parents. Additionally, the program was effective in reducing parents’ anxiety. This highlights the need for such programs to be implemented in schools and other community settings to increase parental awareness and prevent CSA.

Efektivitas Konvensi Hak Anak (ICRC) Dalam Kasus Eksploitasi Anak di Thailand

Abstract Child exploitation is one of the most serious cases. Triggered by increasingly advanced and widespread globalization, child exploitation in Thailand continued to increase from 2019 to 2022. As a country that has long ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Thailand's determination to resolve child exploitation cases is questionable. This article examines the effectiveness of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Thailand from 2019 to 2022, using Arild Underdal's perspective on the effectiveness of the regime and explaining it clearly. The results of this study show that the Convention on the Rights of the Child that has been ratified by Thailand has not yet been fully enforced. This is evidenced by a steady increase every year from 2019 to 2022. This shows that child exploitation cannot be solved with current laws.

Dialectical behavioral therapy for complex posttraumatic stress disorder (DBT-PTSD): an evidence-based disorder-specific treatment program

Dialectical behavioral therapy for complex posttraumatic stress disorders (DBT-PTSD) is amodular treatment program that was developed at the Central Institute for Mental Health at the University of Heidelberg, Germany in 2005-2021. DBT-PTSD is designed to meet the needs of patients with complex PTSD related to sexual or physical trauma in childhood and adolescence. It is specifically designed for patients suffering from severe emotional dysregulation, persistent self-injury, chronic suicidal ideation, severe dissociative symptoms and amarkedly negative self-concept with a high level of guilt, shame, self-loathing and interpersonal problems. To address these different core symptoms, DBT-PTSD combines evidence-based therapeutic strategies: principles, rules, and skills of DBT, trauma-specific cognitive and exposure-based techniques, imaginative interventions and procedures for behavioral change. The treatment program is designed to be carried out in an outpatient (45weeks) or residential (12weeks) setting. The results from two randomized controlled trials showed large effect sizes across very different symptom domains and a significant superiority of DBT-PTSD over Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Based on these results, DBT-PTSD is currently a promising evidence-based treatment program for all features of a complex PTSD after sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence.

The role of intuition in social work practice: differing understandings and attitudes

ABSTRACT There has been a long debate about the use of intuition in helping professions, including social work. Often viewed negatively in professional contexts, intuition is nonetheless used as a form of risk assessment. The current research examined methods of identifying child sexual abuse. A mixed methods approach was taken, with 98 participants completing an online questionnaire and 24 taking part in in-depth interviews. The participants demonstrated varied perceptions of intuition and its usefulness. Although some participants were strongly critical of its use, for others, intuition or ‘gut feelings’ were preferred to formal assessment tools. However, what was discussed as intuition, rather than a form of ‘sixth sense’, was often based on tacit knowledge; for example, abused young people’s observable behaviours combined with known risk factors such as certain family characteristics. Therefore, concerns about the use of intuition may be based on incorrect assumptions.

A Longitudinal Examination of HIV Risk Perception Accuracy among Sexual Minority Men with History of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) with history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are at high risk for HIV acquisition. One reason is posttraumatic responses compromise ability to accurately appraise risk for danger/vulnerability. Health behavior change models and related interventions assume risk perception can be changed in an enduring manner. Given paucity of studies examining how risk perception changes or sustains over time post-intervention, this underlying assumption is not confirmed. Among this particularly high-risk group who struggle with perceiving risk due to trauma-related cognitions, it may be accuracy of risk perception is fluid. The study primarily aimed to examine accuracy of HIV risk perception over time post-HIV prevention behavioral intervention. Leveraging data from a larger RCT, N = 190 MSM in Boston, MA and Miami, FL USA completed a psychosocial baseline assessment, an intervention aimed to increase awareness of personal HIV risk level, then four follow-up assessments three months apart for a year. Linear mixed effect models were used to examine the degree to which accuracy of HIV risk perception (vs. traditional construct of risk perception with no information about accuracy) predicts sex risk behavior over time delineated by between-person (trait level) and within-person (state level) effects. Majority (92%) of participants fluctuated in HIV risk accuracy over time post-intervention. Within-person risk accuracy (one's accuracy at any given timepoint) predicted sex risk behavior (condomless sex not protected by adherent PrEP) over time, but not between-person (one's average of accuracy). Findings have implications for intervention and counseling related to specific HIV prevention strategies.