Childlight’s first flagship report, Searchlight 2023, explores the nature of CSEA through nine new research studies. Here, our researchers share some of their learnings from the project.
The impact of online distribution on child sexual abuse material survivors in Australia
The project demonstrated the benefit of collaboration with multiple partners, including law enforcement who provided information about the most highly-traded Australian series, and another partner that provided the distribution data.
Physical co-presence in the data environment was critical to success. Conducting the project as a visiting scholar allowed the investigator to discuss the project with leading analysts and ascertain important background information about the series that otherwise would not have been available. However, the project would have benefitted from additional data on peer-to-peer distribution.
This area of work is so under-developed and under-resourced that the project in many ways operated as an exploratory, pilot study rather than providing definitive conclusions. The project was made possible by unique relationships between important stakeholders.
There is a clear need for a larger, global conversation about the rights and needs of CSAM victims, and adequate data systems to assess CSAM distribution for specific series/victims. It is important for the growing body of scholars who are studying CSAM to understand that the extent of distribution is an indicator of harm.
The nature of online offending against children: Population-based data from Australia, UK and the USA
The project hinged on the use of an online survey panel company to distribute an anonymous survey to a roughly nationally representative sample of men in three countries. The gathered data was of high quality and the project established this methodological approach as a viable one in sensitive CSA research.
The project advisory group was a critical success factor in the development of the survey instrument, which included a number of questions based on frontline experience that proved highly prescient.
The project had a relatively limited budget which did not enable the publishing of peer reviewed papers from the study as quickly as desired. It attracted a great deal of media attention, which was welcome, but also spurious criticism of the methodology, and we were not resourced to respond quickly to these criticisms.
A scoping review of the coverage of studies measuring CSEA victimisation prevalence globally
This review involved a conception phase, followed by data extraction, analysis, then write up. It involved bringing together numerous surveys and instruments used to measure online sexual harms to children. This was a highly collaborative effort from the Childlight Research Team.
The key learning was that academic research cannot be the only source of data when attempting to review the totality of harms children face online. A multiple systems estimation is the best way to include all information available.
A challenge was the terminology which differed by report and often included data which was not disaggregated. A universal approach to definitions would be a great way to advance review and estimation capability globally.
Data Blueprint for Measuring the Prevalence of CSEA in the Early Years
This study set out to understand the scale of violence against children in early years (5 years and under). It involved carrying out a systematic literature review and searches in multiple data bases and in eligible journals.
The research did not reveal any studies on sexual violence for this age group exclusively, exposing a gap in this topic area. Other types of study were found to explore emotional, physical and neglect violence against early years children, as well as violence against pregnant women. In view of this, a meta-analysis was carried out using the little available data on sexual violence against early years children in order to create a prevalence estimate.
The success of the project was driven by key factors, including the dedication and expertise of the research team. Feedback from the wider team provided diverse perspectives that enriched the analysis.
The nature of online CSEA among children living with disabilities
Despite the escalating prevalence of OCSEA, there was limited research specifically focusing on children with disabilities, as they may have more challenges in understanding what consent is. This systematic review addressed that gap.
Collaboration was a key part of the research. Each of the researchers were from a different field and had a different background. The Childlight training that had been put in place was key to carrying out an effective systematic review. An important learning was that using collaborative applications such as Covidence for the systematic review made the work much easier.
Extended reality: the implications for legislation and policies
This project set out to examine the implications of extended reality (XR) offending and how the UK was equipped to deal legislatively with contemporary criminal behaviour.
A collaborative effort was key to the success of the study. particularly the scoping review. Also, good delegation of responsibilities, openness and trust among team members and excellent communication all helped.
Due to the evolving nature of this topic a key challenge was to put a stop on the timeline to focus on the more major robust literature findings, as well as the most popular forms of XR technology. This was to make the findings and implications more targeted.
The study would have benefited from the earlier realisation of the scope of the project, including the multitude of methodologies employed, the number of participants needed for the interviews and the size of the literature reviewed. This would have allowed for the extension of the timetable of the research and, thus, more time to conduct the study in greater depth. This would also have allowed time to recruit more interviewees coming from a wider range of professionals.
