Understanding the Impact of Online Child Sexual Abuse
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the Psychological Impact of Online Child Sexual Abuse (OCSA) on Victims
IRAS ID
297516
Contact name
Sandra Bucci
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
In the past decade, the rates in online child sexual abuse (OCSA) have increased exponentially. Ospina, Harstall & Dennet (2010) reported that 13% to 19% of youth have experienced online sexual solicitation. As of 2020, the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children reports 69 million images and videos related to child sexual exploitation and abuse, marking a 50% increase from last year. The main purpose of this research is to allow for a victim perspective of the psychological impact of OCSA. It is hoped that this research project will help inform intervention methods and to gather a comprehensive understanding of how victims’ lives are impacted through OCSA. This project defines OCSA as pertaining to online grooming and online sexual abusive material (i.e. images and video recordings). The yearlong study aims to recruit 10-30 participants, aged 12-25. The minimum age of 12, corresponds to the high rate of internet users by that age. The upper age limit of 25 was chosen to highlight the long-term impact of OCSA. The participants will be primarily recruited from NHS Trusts located in Greater Manchester. If recruitment through NHS becomes difficult, mental health organisations, such as Barnardo's and Marie Collins Foundation will be sought out. Social media will also be used to recruit participants 18-25. Participants under the age of 18, will only be recruited through NHS Trusts or mental health organisations to ensure appropriate safeguarding protocols can be followed. The participants will participate in a 45 minute to 1 hour online interview. The questions will be focused on how the abuse has impacted the individual, the disclosure process, and any barriers to seeking help. There will be no external funding sought for this project.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
21/NI/0098
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion