What Do We Know about the Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children? Implications for Research and Practice

2020 ◽  
pp. 25-42
Author(s):  
Sarah Brown
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Rape Myths ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Victim Blaming ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Critical View ◽  
Risk Vulnerability ◽  
Practice Knowledge ◽  
The Uk

This chapter takes a critical view of the prevention and intervention approaches used in children sexual exploitation (CSE) in the UK. The author presents an exploration of the way risk, vulnerability and educative responses to CSE may perpetuate victim blaming of children and misuse ‘prevention’ approaches. The chapter includes an examination of the evidence base, literature and practice knowledge that is available or lacking in CSE. The author will explore myths, misconceptions and biases in CSE that have led to responses and preventative practice which is steeped in rape myths. The final conclusions will move the field towards trauma-focussed, anti-victim-blaming approaches to supporting children affected by CSE.

scholarly journals The effectiveness and impact of the child protection and criminal justice systems in cases of intrafamilial child sexual abuse

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Gekoski ◽  
Miranda A.H Horvath ◽  
Julia C Davidson
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Child Sexual Abuse ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings from a study commissioned by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) in England, concerning intrafamilial child sexual abuse (IFCSA)/incest. Specifically, it aims to explore the evidence about child protection and criminal justice responses to victims of IFCSA in the UK and where the gaps in these approaches lie. Design/methodology/approach – A Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was used, the function of which is to: search the literature as comprehensively as possible within given time constraints; collate descriptive outlines of the available evidence on a topic and critically appraise it; sift out studies of poor quality; and provide an overview of the evidence. Over 57,000 documents were scanned, and 296 ultimately systematically analysed. Findings – It was found that children may be re-victimised by various aspects of “the system” and professionals within it, including social workers, police officers, and lawyers. Research limitations/implications – A REA is not a full systematic review, differing in the scope and depth of the searches and depending almost exclusively on electronic databases, not accompanied by searching journals by hand. Originality/value – The findings of this research provide the evidence-base for a new two-year inquiry into the subject of IFCSA by the OCC.

What’s gender got to do with it? Sexual exploitation of children as patriarchal violence

2019 ◽  
pp. 209-230
Author(s):  
Maddy Coy
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Young People ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Bell Hooks ◽  
Feminist Analysis ◽  
Public Discussion ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Patriarchal Power

This chapter sets out that gender is critical to talking and theorising about sexual exploitation in two main ways: in understanding patterns of perpetration and victimisation, and in how policy and practice responds to young people. In the UK and around the globe, victims/survivors of sexual exploitation are disproportionately girls, and those who abuse and exploit them are mostly men and boys. Yet in much policy and public discussion, sexual exploitation is often framed as an issue involving ‘children’, without attention to the asymmetry between experiences of young women and young men. The chapter thus draws on bell hooks to suggest that sexual exploitation can be conceptualised as a form of patriarchal violence, an approach reflecting decades of feminist analysis that links sexual abuse and exploitation to patriarchal power. Throughout the chapter, implications for practice are highlighted and reiterated.

scholarly journals Practitioner Insights Regarding Modern Slavery in Gloucestershire, UK.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jordan Brealy
Keyword(s):  
Research Policy ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Local Responses ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Modern Slavery ◽  
Local Awareness ◽  
The Uk

Slavery remains present in society and has been found to occur under various manifestations throughout the United Kingdom. Knowledge derived from academic enquiry regarding modern slavery has increased over recent years although sparse attention has been given to localised communities. It is important to develop the evidence-base locally to effectively increase the understanding of this diverse issue and aid local responses. This study aimed to produce evidence on local practitioners’ perspectives on modern slavery, focusing on the case study of Gloucestershire. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with a range of local practitioners in modern slavery related fields in Gloucestershire, including the police, healthcare and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the data. These themes related to differing perceptions of the problem locally and numerous types of exploitation e.g. sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, criminal exploitation. One example of this is the alleged increase in sexual exploitation during a localised sporting event. The data also highlighted several barriers hindering local responses, progress and awareness e.g. victims not perceiving themselves as victims, victim co-operation with services and public service funding issues. This study contributes to the evidence indicating that localities such as Gloucestershire are not exempt from a variety of slavery practices. The enquiry highlights evidence of various types of slavery offences manifesting in Gloucestershire. However, a key finding of this study is the fragmented perceptions of localised modern slavery, which highlights the need to support a collaborative approach to this diverse problem. Barriers and complexities with the local response are acknowledged such as; concerns regarding local awareness, pressures associated with resourcing and the struggles associated with identifying victims of hidden criminality and exploitation. Although these findings relate to Gloucestershire they carry wider implications relevant to other localities across the UK. Due to the wider implications of this enquiry, a number of research, policy and practice recommendations are made based on the data from this study.

Preventing child sexual abuse and the use of child abuse images: the Prevention Project Dunkelfeld as an international perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus M. Beier
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Child Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Child Pornography ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
The Body ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sexual Offences

Paedophilia—a sexual preference for the body scheme of pre-pubescent children—is defined as a disorder within the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) of the World Health Organization as well as within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association. Contrary to popular belief, not all sex offenders who target children are paedophiles, and not all paedophiles commit sexual offences. But quite obviously paedophilia is an emotionally charged and controversial topic, which might be an explanation for putting it out of focus within the healthcare system. Mental health professionals are mainly (and worldwide) not well trained in terms of assessment methods and intervention techniques available to develop and implement effective policies and practices. This presents an obstacle for prevention, in that proactive strategies to protect children from child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation by online offences, such as the consumption or distribution of child abusive images (so-called child pornography), which emphasises the internationally relevant dimension of the issue. The article will address key concerns and questions in dealing with this clinically relevant population, offer insights into a primary prevention approach developed in Germany, and discuss the situation on a European level.

Right to Protection against Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asha Bajpai
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Child Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Commercial Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Child Victims ◽  
Sexual Offences ◽  
Minor Children ◽  
Marriage Laws ◽  
Education Act ◽  
International Instruments

Child sexual abuse and exploitation covers the sexual maltreatment of both children and young people. Part A deals with child sexual abuse (CSA) in India, its magnitude, and child sexual abuse in institutions. It deals with the national legal regime relating to CSA including the constitutional provisions, Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO). Law reform relating to some provisions in POCSO, child marriage laws, Right to Education Act and, and child victims and witnesses is recommended. Part B deals with commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of minor children in the context of organized exploitation for commercial gain. The Indian laws dealing with commercial sexual exploitation and pornography are included. Important judgements and international instruments dealing with child sexual abuse and exploitation and the important role played by NGOs and government in dealing with cases of CSA and exploitation are included.

Best practice for chronic oedema in community settings: what can we learn?

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 610-614
Author(s):  
Garry Cooper-Stanton
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Guidance Document ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Tissue Viability ◽  
Delivery Of Care ◽  
Specialist Nurses ◽  
The Uk

There are various opportunities and challenges in the delivery of care to those diagnosed with chronic oedema/lymphoedema. Service provision is not consistent within the UK, and non-specialist nurses and other health professionals may be called on to fill the gaps in this area. The latest best practice guidance on chronic oedema is directed at community services that care for people within their own homes in primary care. This guide was developed in order to increase awareness, knowledge and access to an evidence base. Those involved in its creation cross specialist fields (lymphoedema and tissue viability), resulting in the document covering a number of areas, including an explanation of chronic oedema, its assessment and management and the association between chronic oedema and wet legs. The document complements existing frameworks on the condition and its management and also increases the available tools within chronic oedema management in the community. The present article provides an overview of the guidance document and discusses its salient features.

scholarly journals The Role of Cultural Beliefs, Norms, and Practices in Nigerian Women’s Experiences of Sexual Abuse and Violence

2021 ◽  
pp. 107780122110001
Author(s):  
Chinyere Elsie Ajayi ◽  
Khatidja Chantler ◽  
Lorraine Radford
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Rape Myths ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Male Privilege ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Bride Price

This study aims to explore if and how cultural beliefs, norms, and practices might contribute to Nigerian women’s experiences of sexual abuse and violence. In-depth narrative interviews were conducted with 12 women of Nigerian origin living in the Northwest of England who had experienced sexual abuse and violence. Women’s accounts were analyzed thematically, and drawing upon a feminist-intersectional conceptual framework, analysis reveals that male privilege defined by gendered role and expectation, religious beliefs, rape myths, and bride-price with the associated practice of libation may have contributed to women’s experiences of sexual abuse and violence.

scholarly journals A Delphi Study Investigating Clinicians’ Views on Access to, Delivery of, and Adaptations of MBCT in the UK Clinical Settings

Mindfulness ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Williams ◽  
Samantha Hartley ◽  
Peter Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Study ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Training Support ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Complex Decision ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Clinical Populations

Abstract Objectives Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a well-evidenced relapse-prevention intervention for depression with a growing evidence-base for use in other clinical populations. The UK initiatives have outlined plans for increasing access to MBCT in clinical settings, although evidence suggests that access remains limited. Given the increased popularity and access to MBCT, there may be deviations from the evidence-base and potential risks of harm. We aimed to understand what clinicians believe should be best clinical practice regarding access to, delivery of, and adaptations to MBCT. Methods We employed a two-stage Delphi methodology. First, to develop statements around best practices, we consulted five mindfulness-based experts and reviewed the literature. Second, a total of 59 statements were taken forward into three survey rating rounds. Results Twenty-nine clinicians completed round one, with 25 subsequently completing both rounds two and three. Forty-four statements reached consensus; 15 statements did not. Clinicians agreed with statements regarding sufficient preparation for accessing MBCT, adherence to the evidence-base and good practice guidelines, consideration of risks, sufficient access to training, support, and resources within services, and carefully considered adaptations. The consensus was not reached on statements which reflected a lack of evidence-base for specific clinical populations or the complex decision-making processes involved in delivering and making adaptations to MBCT. Conclusions Our findings highlight the delicate balance of maintaining a client-centred and transparent approach whilst adhering to the evidence-base in clinical decisions around access to, delivery of, and adaptations in MBCT and have important wide-reaching implications.

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