Strength-based approaches to online child sexual abuse: using self-management strategies to enhance desistance behaviour in users of child sexual exploitation material
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Part of this research has been funded through research grant by the National Organisation of the Treatment of Abusers.
Citation
Merdian, H., Kettleborough, D., McCartan, K. and Perkins, D.E. (2017), "Strength-based approaches to online child sexual abuse: using self-management strategies to enhance desistance behaviour in users of child sexual exploitation material", Journal of Criminal Psychology, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 182-191. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-10-2016-0035
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited