Understanding Individuals who Access Sexualised Images of Children

Abstract

The number of detected child sexual abuse imagery (CSAI) users has increased dramatically over the last decade (Babchishin, Hanson, & VanZuylen, 2014; Wolak, 2011). Despite the relevance to today’s society it still remains unclear what factors are associated with accessing CSAI. In particular, research regarding the early life development and characteristics of this group of offenders is underdeveloped and only recently have researchers begun to develop typologies of those who access CSAI (e.g., Houtepen, Sijtsema & Bogaerts, 2014). Similarly, the development of tools to effectively assess and treat internet sexual offenders is notably lacking (Perkins & Merdian, 2014). The present study had two primary aims. Firstly, to contribute to the current understanding of what may contribute to individuals accessing sexualised images of children. This included gathering rich descriptions of participants’ early life experiences and the period leading up to their first offense. The second aim was to contribute to the development of therapy through gaining insight into client’s perspectives of what they found helpful in treatment. Twelve men currently or recently involved in prison or community treatment programmes were interviewed and the transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The key themes identified from the data around development included difficulties in early family life, negative school experiences, difficult sexual development and difficult intimate relationships. In terms of what precipitated offending, key themes included stress, progression from other legal material, loneliness and isolation and spare time, coping with negative emotions, addiction, collecting and denial were all identified as maintaining factors. These findings were comparable to previous, similar qualitative research (Sheehan & Sullivan’s, 2014) and Ward and Siegert’s (2002) Pathways Model. Key themes from the data around the helpful aspects of treatment experiences were consistent with previous literature regarding sexual offender treatment more broadly. These themes included developing an understanding of offending, working in a group, a safe environment and attributes of the therapist. The suggestion made by participants of continued support after the programme parallels previous research which suggests that continued monitoring of sexual offenders can have a positive impact on reoffending (Elliott, Findlater & Hughes, 2010).