Child Sexual Exploitation Materials Offenders

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly M. Babchishin ◽  
Hannah L. Merdian ◽  
Ross M. Bartels ◽  
Derek Perkins
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Sexual Interest ◽  
Child Pornography ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Criminal History ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Antisocial Tendencies

Abstract. The downloading and possession of Child Sexual Exploitation Materials (CSEM; also referred to as child pornography and indecent images of children) is a commonly convicted type of Internet sexual offenses. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on CSEM offenders. We first provide a summary of the key motivations of CSEM offenders, characteristics of CSEM offenders compared to contact sexual offenders against children, and important facilitative factors. We then review the factors related to recidivism among CSEM offenders. Finally, we describe current developments in the risk assessment, police case prioritization, and treatment approaches for CSEM offenders. Generally, CSEM offenders hold a sexual interest in children, are low on antisocial tendencies, and pose a low risk to reoffend (including contact sexual offending). Key facilitative factors for CSEM offending include access to children, offense-supportive cognitions, and sexual arousal. Factors indicative of antisocial tendencies (e.g., criminal history) are associated with an increased risk of reoffending. Lastly, we address atypical sexual interest, socio-affective dysfunctions, and strategies for maintaining an offense-free lifestyle as key treatment targets for CSEM offenders. Lower treatment dosage, however, should be considered given CSEM-exclusive offenders’ lower risk level for contact sexual offenses. We hope that this review will inspire others to explore the current research gaps in future studies.

Internet-Facilitated Child Sexual Exploitation Crimes

2019 ◽  
pp. 13-23
Author(s):  
Keith F. Durkin ◽  
Ronald L. DeLong
Keyword(s):  
Human Trafficking ◽  
Psychological Assessment ◽  
Child Pornography ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Internet Crimes Against Children ◽  
Classification And Treatment

Internet crimes against children are a problematic yet often misunderstood phenomenon. Prominent examples of these offenses include child pornography, adults soliciting minors online, and the commercialized sexual exploitation of minors (e.g., human trafficking). Drawing upon recent research, the characteristics of offenses, offenders, and victims are examined. A multitude of issues related to the psychological assessment, classification, and treatment of the individuals who commit these offenses are also explored. Strategies for the prevention of this behavior and protection of minors online are discussed.

Spanish Validation of the Child Pornography Offender Risk Tool

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 107906322092895
Author(s):  
Virginia Soldino ◽  
Enrique J. Carbonell-Vayá ◽  
Kathryn C. Seigfried-Spellar
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Interest ◽  
Child Pornography ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Recidivism Rate ◽  
Recidivism Rates ◽  
Cultural Validity ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
Spanish Validation

The current study examined the validity of the Child Pornography Offender Risk Tool (CPORT) in a sample of 304 men arrested in Spain for child pornography (CP) offenses, distinguishing between CP-exclusive offenders ( n = 255) and CP offenders with other criminal involvement ( n = 49). In our 5-year fixed follow-up analysis, we observed a 2.3% sexual recidivism rate for the whole sample (2.0% new CP offenses, 0.3% new contact sexual offenses). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses detected some relative predictive ability of the CPORT for CP recidivism outcomes when the Correlates of Admission of Sexual Interest in Children (CASIC) was used to replace missing CPORT Item 5. Specifically, both CPORT and CASIC total scores might help predict new CP offending among CP-exclusive offenders (area under the curve [AUC] = .57 and .70, respectively). Calibration analyses found that the observed recidivism rates were much lower than the expected recidivism rates presented by the tool developers, and, thus, suggest caution over the use of these norms for applied risk assessment. Our findings provide, to some extent, preliminary evidence of CPORT cross-cultural validity.

Predicting Sexual Offenders’ Specialization/Versatility: The Role of Impulsivity and Moral Reasoning

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 986-1011
Author(s):  
Mariana A. Saramago ◽  
Jorge Cardoso ◽  
Isabel Leal
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Moral Reasoning ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Criminal History ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Sexual Offenses

The main purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the predictive ability of impulsivity and moral reasoning on offending specialization/versatility. The latter was measured using the diversity index which calculates the amount of variation within an individual’s criminal history. The sample consisted of 88 individuals convicted of sexual offenses incarcerated in a Portuguese prison. Group comparisons and multiple linear regression analyses on untransformed and corrected versions of the diversity index were conducted. Overall, the different versions of the diversity index presented disparate results. Individuals were found to be generally alike, but those convicted of rape tended to be more versatile than those who molested extrafamilial children. Moral reasoning was the strongest predictor of offending specialization/versatility, while impulsivity was mostly not statistically significant. A better understanding of these predictors’ roles on offending specialization/versatility, as it relates to recidivism, is important to tailor successful interventions.

scholarly journals Two Sides of One Coin: A Comparison of Clinical and Neurobiological Characteristics of Convicted and Non-Convicted Pedophilic Child Sexual Offenders

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 947 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Gibbels ◽  
Christopher Sinke ◽  
Jonas Kneer ◽  
Till Amelung ◽  
Sebastian Mohnke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Criminal History ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Inhibition Performance ◽  
Two Sides ◽  
Child Sexual Offenders

High prevalence of child sexual offending stand in contradiction to low conviction rates (one-tenth at most) of child sexual offenders (CSOs). Little is known about possible differences between convicted and non-convicted pedophilic CSOs and why only some become known to the judicial system. This investigation takes a closer look at the two sides of “child sexual offending” by focusing on clinical and neurobiological characteristics of convicted and non-convicted pedophilic CSOs as presented in the Neural Mechanisms Underlying Pedophilia and sexual offending against children (NeMUP)*-study. Seventy-nine male pedophilic CSOs were examined, 48 of them convicted. All participants received a thorough clinical examination including the structured clinical interview (SCID), intelligence, empathy, impulsivity, and criminal history. Sixty-one participants (38 convicted) underwent an inhibition performance task (Go/No-go paradigm) combined with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Convicted and non-convicted pedophilic CSOs revealed similar clinical characteristics, inhibition performances, and neuronal activation. However, convicted subjects’ age preference was lower (i.e., higher interest in prepubescent children) and they had committed a significantly higher number of sexual offenses against children compared to non-convicted subjects. In conclusion, sexual age preference may represent one of the major driving forces for elevated rates of sexual offenses against children in this sample, and careful clinical assessment thereof should be incorporated in every preventive approach.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of a Community-Based Psycho-Educational Program for Users of Child Sexual Exploitation Material

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Gillespie ◽  
Alexandra Bailey ◽  
Tom Squire ◽  
Melissa L. Carey ◽  
Hilary J. Eldridge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Program Completion ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation

Online sexual offenders represent an increasingly large proportion of all sexual offenders. Many of these offenders receive noncustodial sentences, and there is a growing need for community-based interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate a psycho-educational program for community dwelling users of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM). A total of 92 adult male participants completed self-report measures at pre and post. A subset of participants also completed measures after a follow-up period. Results suggested benefits across depression, anxiety, and stress; social competency, including locus of control and self-esteem; and distorted attitudes. Furthermore, these effects remained 8 to 12 weeks following program completion. Our results suggest that CSEM users are amenable to treatment in the community and that there are beneficial outcomes in affective and interpersonal functioning following psycho-education. These factors represent treatment targets for sexual offenders and are recognized risk factors for contact sexual offense recidivism.

scholarly journals Sexual Interests of Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM) Consumers: Four Patterns of Severity Over Time

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Fortin ◽  
Jean Proulx
Keyword(s):  
Child Pornography ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Information Networks ◽  
Progressive Decrease ◽  
Hard Drives ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Sexual Interests

This study analyzed the evolution over time of the activity of consumers of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM). To this end, images and metadata were extracted from the hard drives of 40 individuals convicted of possession of child pornography and analyzed. A sample of these images ( N = 61,244) was categorized by the age of the subjects depicted and—using the Combating Paedophile Information Networks in Europe (COPINE) scale—by severity of the acts depicted. Collecting activity was observed to follow four patterns. The most prevalent pattern was a progressive decrease in the age of the person depicted and a progressive increase in the severity of the sexual acts. In light of the results, we propose four explanations of the nature of, and variations in, child-pornography collections.

scholarly journals A Billion Distorted Thoughts: An Exploratory Study of Criminogenic Cognitions Among Men Who Sexually Exploit Children Over the Internet

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (10-11) ◽  
pp. 1114-1133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Paquette ◽  
Nicholas Longpré ◽  
Franca Cortoni
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sexual Offense ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Criminal Charges ◽  
Criminal Behaviors

There is evidence that endorsing a higher level of offense-supportive cognitions is associated with contact sexual offending. Such an association assumes the construct of cognitions as unidimensional, thus ignoring the possibility that specific subtypes of cognitions exist and that certain may be criminogenic. To investigate this possibility, this study aimed at examining the associations between criminal behaviors and cognitive themes found in the discourse of men who engage in sexual offenses against children over the Internet. Through the discourse of a sample of 60 men with online child sexual exploitation material and solicitation offenses, a previous study identified eight cognitive themes: Uncontrollability, Nature of harm, Child as sexual being, Child as partner, Dangerous world, Entitlement, Virtual is not real, and Internet is uncontrollable. These themes were not investigated for their criminogenic nature. Thus, in this study, bivariate analyses were used to determine whether these cognitive themes were linked to three indicators of criminal behaviors: the extent of criminal charges, the diversity of offending behaviors, and the nature of contact with victims. Results suggest that, taken as a whole, online sexual offense–supportive cognitions may not be criminogenic. Moreover, only cognitive themes related to antisocial orientation and atypical sexuality were found linked with criminal behaviors, although associations found remain limited. Findings and associated implications are further discussed for research and clinical purposes.

scholarly journals CRIME INVESTIGATIONS OF ‘CHILD ABUSE MATERIAL’: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES POSED BY DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Eneman
Keyword(s):  
Child Abuse ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Sexual Interest ◽  
Child Pornography ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Production Distribution ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Child Abuse Material

The increased digitalisation of society has profoundly changed the circumstances for people with a sexual interest in children to engage in the production, distribution and consumption of child abuse material. In addition, digital technologies enable contact and communication with other like-minded individuals sharing the same sexual interest in children and also facilitate new forms of getting in contact with children (potential victims). Child abuse material (sometimes also referred to as child pornography) refers to documented material depicting the sexual abuse and/or sexual exploitation of a child (or children). The overall purpose with this study is to explore the practices where crime investigations of child abuse material occur within the Swedish police authority. This research in progress paper will reflect on what challenges and opportunities police officers do encounter when investigating child abuse material in relation to digital technologies? The involved technology will be investigated in relation to technological affordance and empirically the study is based upon qualitative interviews with police officers.

scholarly journals Fantasy-Driven Versus Contact-Driven Users of Child Sexual Exploitation Material: Offender Classification and Implications for Their Risk Assessment

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah L. Merdian ◽  
Nima Moghaddam ◽  
Douglas P. Boer ◽  
Nick Wilson ◽  
Jo Thakker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Sex Offender ◽  
Sexual Interest ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Offender Treatment ◽  
Treatment Providers ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
A Minor

Since the advent of the Internet, convictions for the possession, display, trading, and distribution of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) have risen steadily, but little is known about their appropriate assessment and treatment, especially concerning their risk of reoffending. It has been suggested that a conceptual distinction of fantasy- versus contact-driven CSEM users might be of merit. Sixty-eight offenders recruited from sex offender treatment providers were assessed via an anonymous computer survey including a variety of clinical and risk-related variables; the findings showed differences in the psychological profiles between CSEM users and contact child sex offenders. Numerical and spatial methods of data analysis were used to identify subgroups of CSEM users; these confirmed the twofold distinction of fantasy- versus contact-driven offending. The spatial representation of participants identified three dimensions as crucial in the classification of these subgroups: direct sexual contact with a minor, possession of fantasy-generating material, and social contact with other users with a sexual interest in minors; potentially differentiating distinct offender subgroups with different risks and needs. The current study informed the development of an empirical model of CSEM users that could aid in the assessment of risk of reoffending and cross-over to contact sex offending.

scholarly journals Predicting Risk of Reoffending in Persons with Child Sexual Exploitation Material Offense Histories: The Use of Child Pornography Offender Risk Tool in a Scottish Population

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 107906322110471
Author(s):  
Valérie Savoie ◽  
Ethel Quayle ◽  
Elizabeth Flynn ◽  
Suzanne O’Rourke
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Operating Characteristic ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Child Pornography ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Sexual Recidivism ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Scottish Population

In the past decade, there has been an increase in child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) offenses and convictions. Although research shows that individuals with CSEM offence histories generally are at low risk of reoffending, certain factors do increase in CSEM convictions, in order to assist with case prioritization, management and supervision, risk assessment is helpful across agencies. The Child Pornography Offender Risk Tool (CPORT) was created specifically for this population and shows significant predictive validity for various outcomes. This study aimed to validate the use of the CPORT in a Scottish sample of 141 adult males who were convicted of CSEM offenses. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and logistic regression analyses indicated that the CPORT significantly predicted any recidivism (Area Under the Curve = .81), any sexual recidivism (AUC = .78) and CSEM recidivism (AUC = .74), suggesting that it is a valid risk assessment tool for Scottish populations. Recommendations for further research and clinical implications are discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document