scholarly journals Screening for Child Sexual Exploitation in Online Sexual Health Services: An Exploratory Study of Expert Views

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. e30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Spencer-Hughes ◽  
Jonathan Syred ◽  
Alison Allison ◽  
Gillian Holdsworth ◽  
Paula Baraitser
2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (10-11) ◽  
pp. 1114-1133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Paquette ◽  
Nicholas Longpré ◽  
Franca Cortoni

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 412-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Ward ◽  
Gwenda Hughes ◽  
Holly D Mitchell ◽  
Karen E Rogstad

ObjectiveChild sexual exploitation (CSE) can be difficult to identify, as there may be few reliable indicators. Although they may be used in decision-making, there is no evidence that STIs are predictors of CSE. We investigated the relationship between STI presentation at sexual health clinics (SHCs) and CSE.MethodsSHCs with 18 or more children aged 13–15 years old with STI diagnoses in 2012 were identified using the Genitourinary Medicine Clinic Activity Data Set STI Surveillance System. Cases with confirmed bacterial or protozoal STIs were matched by age, gender and clinic with non-STI controls. Lead clinicians were asked to complete an online questionnaire on CSE-related risk factors of cases and controls irrespective of STI presence. Associations between STI outcome and CSE-related risk factors were analysed using conditional logistic regression.ResultsData were provided on 466 children aged 13–15 years old; 414 (89%) were female, 340 (80%) were aged 15, 108 (23%) were aged 14, and 18 (3.9%) were aged 13 years. In matched univariate analysis, an STI diagnosis was significantly associated with ‘highly-likely/confirmed’ CSE (OR 3.87, p=0.017) and safeguarding concerns (OR 1.94, p=0.022). Evidence of an association between STI diagnosis and ‘highly-likely/confirmed’ CSE persisted after adjustment for partner numbers and prior clinic attendance (OR 3.85, p=0.053).ConclusionPresentation with bacterial or protozoal STIs in children aged 13–15 years old at SHCs may be considered a potential marker for CSE. It would be prudent to consider CSE, indepth assessment and potential referral for any children under 16 years old presenting with a bacterial or protozoal STI.


2016 ◽  
Vol 92 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A68.1-A68
Author(s):  
Victoria Spencer-Hughes ◽  
Jonathan Syred ◽  
Gillian Holdsworth ◽  
Paula Baraitser

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110230
Author(s):  
Alexandria Lunt ◽  
Carrie Llewellyn ◽  
Jake Bayley ◽  
Tom Nadarzynski

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures forced sexual health services to engage with patients remotely. We aimed to understand perceived barriers and facilitators to the provision of digital sexual health services during the first months of the pandemic. Methods: An online survey and qualitative interviews with UK sexual healthcare professionals recruited online and via snowball sampling were conducted in May–July 2020. Results: Amongst 177 respondents (72% female, 86% White, mean age = 46, SD = 9), most utilised telephone and email as their main communication channels; however, their perceived effectiveness varied (94% and 66%, respectively). Most agreed that staff needed additional training (89%), the available technology was not adequate (66%) and health professionals were hesitant to provide online consultations (46%). They had positive attitudes towards digitalisation, improving service quality and cost-effectiveness but were concerned about exacerbating health inequalities. Discussion: The study identifies a need for clear guidelines and training around the use of digital tools as well as a demand for investment in hardware and software required for the provision of remote services. Future research needs to explore the acceptability, safety and effectiveness of various digital tools to narrow health inequalities in sexual health service users.


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