Behind closed doors : supporting the Internet offender to reduce child sexual abuse material and recidivism

Abstract

Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) includes the images and videos of children who are sexually abused. The abuse has been recorded and is uploaded online. These images circulate online forever and there is no clear estimated amount of how many images children exist. The children in the photos and videos are real children who were sexually exploited and who are being further exploited by those who view and download this material, the internet offenders. This research seeks to explore whether this category of offenders are the same as child sex offenders or they are different, and delves deep into the motivations to view this material and the different approaches used abroad to offer support to the prosecuted internet offender but also to those intent offenders who have not yet come to the attention of law enforcement with the possibility of stopping them from viewing the material. The methodology used was a qualitative one using semi structure interviews with experts working in the field of CSAM and the findings were analysed using thematic analysis. Throughout the findings different themes emerged including the better understanding of the CSAM phenomenon, the impact on the family following the offence, educating the younger generation to make them aware of the illegality of CSAM, stigma, the public’s perception and the need of training and supervision to professional working in the field. A series of recommendations follow including the provision of services to work with internet offenders and their families in Malta because by supporting the offender the demand for this material could decrease and it can prevent him from committing the same crime again. CSAM material could also be reduced by proposing other measures such as targeting the younger generation to discourage self made content. The emerging issue of child sex dolls was discussed and this needs further research and monitoring. The provision of the right services could reduce recidivism and decrease the production of CSAM.