Offense-Supportive Cognitions Expressed by Men Who Use Internet to Sexually Exploit Children: A Thematic Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2090575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Paquette ◽  
Franca Cortoni
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Specific Content ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Police Interviews ◽  
Offending Behavior

Although offense-supportive cognitions are related to the maintenance of contact sexual offending behavior, it is unknown whether this finding also applies to online sexual offending behavior. A few studies have examined the cognitions of men convicted for using child sexual exploitation material, but findings remain limited due to important methodological limitations. Furthermore, fewer studies have investigated the cognitions of men who use the internet to solicit sexual activities with children. The objective of this study was to examine the nature of the cognitions that support online sexual offending against children. The content of police interviews was analyzed using a thematic analysis to identify the cognitive themes present in the offense-related views expressed by 20 men who consumed child sexual exploitation material, 15 who sexually solicited children, and 18 who committed both types of online offenses. Results revealed eight cognitive themes that reflected four underlying themes related to interpersonal relationships, the sexualisation of children, perceptions of the self, and perceptions of the virtual environment. Findings indicate that while the cognitive themes of the three groups are similar, their specific content varies according to the types of offenses. Implications for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Developing a Typology of Child Sexual Exploitation Material Offending in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Elsemiek Griemink
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Post Hoc

<p>Existing typologies of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) offending are significantly limited as many have not been empirically developed or tested for their validity or reliability. Furthermore, their practical utility is limited, as many typologies classify individuals based only on the type of CSEM offending they engage in or are limited to a small number of variables. The current research addresses these issues by developing an exploratory typology of individuals who have engaged in CSEM offending using a data set of 557 individuals in New Zealand, who have been identified by the Department of Internal Affairs. A latent class analysis was conducted using their offence characteristics to identify distinct subgroups within the sample. Follow-up tests were conducted to evaluate how these groups differed on various individual characteristics to develop a more detailed understanding of the individuals within each group. Results found four distinct subgroups of individuals who varied according to their level of engagement with the material, technical capability, type of CSEM offending, and the type of material they searched for. Post-hoc tests also revealed significant differences in access to children, previous sexual offending, and previous CSEM offending between groups. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.</p>

scholarly journals Developing a Typology of Child Sexual Exploitation Material Offending in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Elsemiek Griemink
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Post Hoc

<p>Existing typologies of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) offending are significantly limited as many have not been empirically developed or tested for their validity or reliability. Furthermore, their practical utility is limited, as many typologies classify individuals based only on the type of CSEM offending they engage in or are limited to a small number of variables. The current research addresses these issues by developing an exploratory typology of individuals who have engaged in CSEM offending using a data set of 557 individuals in New Zealand, who have been identified by the Department of Internal Affairs. A latent class analysis was conducted using their offence characteristics to identify distinct subgroups within the sample. Follow-up tests were conducted to evaluate how these groups differed on various individual characteristics to develop a more detailed understanding of the individuals within each group. Results found four distinct subgroups of individuals who varied according to their level of engagement with the material, technical capability, type of CSEM offending, and the type of material they searched for. Post-hoc tests also revealed significant differences in access to children, previous sexual offending, and previous CSEM offending between groups. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.</p>

Trust and Relationship Development Among Users in Dark Web Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Networks: A Literature Review From a Psychological and Criminological Perspective

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483802110572
Author(s):  
Juliane A. Kloess ◽  
Madeleine van der Bruggen
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Relationship Development ◽  
Expert Advice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Criminological Perspective ◽  
Dark Web

The increased potential and speed of the Internet has changed the nature of sexual crimes against children. It enables individuals with a sexual interest in children to meet, interact, and engage in illegal activities. The literature review presented here aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge and understanding of trust and relationship development among users of online networks that are dedicated to the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. A systematic search using six databases was conducted to identify relevant literature from a psychological and a criminological perspective. Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria that centered around the key aspects of the literature review’s research question, namely, (i) child sexual exploitation and abuse, (ii) Dark Web platforms, (iii) online forums and networks, and (iv) trust and relationship development. Our findings reveal that the engagement in interpersonal communication and interactions with like-minded others serves various functions, including validation, normalization, and support, as well as access to expert advice, information, and material. Dark Web networks are high-stake and risky environments, where users have to manage a continuous flow of threats, with information about others and their trustworthiness being limited. The establishment and maintenance of trust is of social and technical relevance, and users have to navigate a number of demands and commitments. Findings are discussed in relation to theoretical and practical implications, as well as directions for future research.

scholarly journals Sex Offenses Perpetrated Against Older Adults: A Multivariate Analysis of Crime Scene Behaviors

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052092863
Author(s):  
Louise Almond ◽  
Martha Sainsbury ◽  
Michelle McManus
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Abused ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Crime Scene ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Female Victims ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
Offending Behavior ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this study was to thematically explore the relationship between crime scene behaviors and background characteristics of offenders who commit sexual offenses against female victims aged 60 years or more. Research and understanding of offense behaviors in this area is extremely limited; therefore, the study sought to provide a preliminary understanding and multivariate model of offense behaviors in cases where older female adults were sexually abused. Twenty-seven crime scene behaviors from 143 rape or attempted rape cases of an older adult victim were analyzed; frequency data were computed to provide base rate information, and Smallest Space Analysis provided a visual representation of the co-occurrence of crime scene behaviors. Three distinct dominant themes were identified, in which 56% of offenses displayed themes of Involvement (22%), Control (17%), and Hostility (16%). The relationship between each dominant theme and selected background characteristics was then analyzed. For example, offenders displaying an Involvement theme were found to be significantly less likely to have prior convictions. Significance was also found in the relationship between dominant themes and a “theft and kindred offence other” preconviction background characteristic. The findings demonstrate offending behavior can be separated into three distinct themes, providing an explanation of offender subtypes and supporting previous models found in other types of sexual offending. Applications for law enforcement agencies regarding identified themes and links with likely offender background characteristics are highlighted. Limitations and future research avenues are discussed.

The Development and Validation of the Cognitions of Internet Sexual Offending (C-ISO) Scale

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 907-930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Paquette ◽  
Franca Cortoni
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Classical Test Theory ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
Development And Validation

Tools designed to measure the cognitions of individuals who engage in sexual activities with children over the Internet are either based on knowledge about men who had committed contact sexual offenses or cognitive phenomena not specifically associated to offending behaviors. Thus, there is no validated tool specifically designed to assess the offense-supportive cognitions of men who use the Internet to sexually offend children. This study developed and validated the Cognitions of Internet Sexual Offending (C-ISO) scale. A sample of 241 men with online and contact sexual as well as with nonsexual offenses completed the C-ISO scale and its psychometric properties, and latent structure was analyzed using both Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT), resulting in a final version containing 31 items. The analyses indicate that the C-ISO has excellent psychometric properties and discriminates men with online sexual offenses from those with contact sexual and nonsexual offenses. Implications of the findings for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Analysing the personality traits and behaviour of Jimmy Savile during the 2009 Surrey Police interviews: A Thematic Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Harmson
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Narcissistic Personality Disorder ◽  
Power Imbalance ◽  
Victim Empathy ◽  
Narcissistic Personality ◽  
Police Interviews ◽  
Ethical Approval ◽  
Interview Transcript

<p>This study has used a thematic anyalsis of the Surrey Police interview transcript of Jimmy Savile in 2009. The interview transcript was analysed for themes, words and phrases used by Savile during the police interview. The findings suggest that Savile lacked any victim empathy and displayed traits often associated with narcissistic personality disorder or (NPD). In addition, Savile dominated the interview process creating a power imbalance in his favour. Savile also atributes blame towards the victims and also criminalises them. These behaviours are often associated with sexual offending. The thematic analysis of the Savile interview is important as it is the only available record of his behaviour and personality when confronted with serious sexual offending allegations. There are no ethical or legal considerations for this study. No ethical approval was necessary regarding the study. The study can also be replicated by way of thematic analysis. </p>

scholarly journals Strength-based approaches to online child sexual abuse: using self-management strategies to enhance desistance behaviour in users of child sexual exploitation material

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 182-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Merdian ◽  
Danielle Kettleborough ◽  
Kieran McCartan ◽  
Derek E. Perkins
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sexually Abused ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Strength Based ◽  
Good Lives

Purpose Increasing numbers of convictions for the use of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) call for enhanced measures to prevent this type of offending. Strength-based approaches such as the good lives model have made significant contributions to the management of offenders who have sexually abused against children. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The present study explored the application of these models to the rehabilitation and desistance behaviour of CSEM users, based on a thematic analysis of the self-managed desistance strategies employed by 26 offenders. Findings The findings confirmed the value of strength-based approaches in understanding self-management strategies used to enhance desistance behaviour in CSEM users. Research limitations/implications The empirical and theoretical findings were then combined into a conceptual framework aimed to enhance preventative efforts and interventions targeted at undetected CSEM users. Originality/value This paper provides the first conceptual and empirical model of prevention and desistance behaviour specific to CSEM offending.

scholarly journals The Pursuit of Primary Human Goods in Men Desisting From Sexual Offending

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Arlanda Harris ◽  
Amelie Pedneault ◽  
Gwenda Willis
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Good Lives Model ◽  
Regular Treatment ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
Desistance From Crime ◽  
Good Lives

The good lives model proposes at least 10 primary human goods that are thought to be common to all individuals which, when secured, contribute to enhanced well-being and life satisfaction. Prosocial attainment of primary human goods is thought to promote desistance from crime. However, individuals convicted of sexual offenses face significant obstacles upon their reentry into the community that likely undermine their ability to obtain such goods. The current study explored the pursuit and attainment of primary human goods in a U.S. sample of men convicted of sexual offenses. We interviewed 42 men released into the community to examine the extent to which they desired and pursued primary human goods. Results highlighted that participants valued many of the human goods outlined in the good lives model, but their means to achieve them were restricted considerably by their correctional status. “Interpersonal relationships” and “life/survival” emerged most frequently during the interviews and were identified as the two most important goods. We discuss the negative impact of recent policies on participants’ ability to pursue and attain human goods as well as the value of attending regular treatment in obtaining the goods of “knowledge” and “community.” Implications for policy and directions for future research are provided.

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.

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