Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) is a global issue, and children, anywhere in the world, can be victims. This is a horrific episode in a person's life and can often cause long-term trauma.
Children can be at risk from anyone – strangers, relatives, peers and even the closest family. Statistics of sexual crimes against children are growing at an alarming rate, and modern technologies make the situation even more challenging.
A key recommendation included aligning legislation globally to keep children safe online.
The challenges to be addressed require a more holistic, whole-system response. It is imperative that we utilise all avenues available to maximise changes for positive impact. From increased prevention to more support for victims and families of abusers and victims are some of the broad topics to be considered.
Likewise, technology-neutral legislation can allow governments and regulators to adapt – helping tackle threats to online child safety without hindering innovation. [Source]
Prevention is a part of the holistic approach to combat CSAE. It supports the traditional forms of reactive policing by decreasing the number of offenders and criminal cases. Thus, we must take proactive steps to reach people who are at risk of harming children and offer them ways out from their distortions.
Furthermore, prevention requires increased training and education to build social resilience to such threats. Legislative and policy changes must also support the work required to address these challenges.
The prevention of child sexual abuse is multi-faceted, but with a common goal – to stop child sexual abuse from occurring. Where a person has offended, the intention would remain – to prevent future offending and further victimisation.
The scale of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) that are reported each year is at a staggering level. Unfortunately, the volume is not slowing! The materials are often the only trace and sign that the crime has been committed, as victims rarely speak out.
As perpetrators' methods constantly shift parallel to technology and societal habits, practitioners must adjust to the ever-changing environment. This requires not only improved strategies but also state-of-art tools and the latest technologies.
Following a case of abuse, there are many areas to consider, including the damage inflicted on the child. The trauma is substantial, potentially leading to enduring pain that can be challenging to surmount independently, even into adulthood.
Hence, it’s crucial that victims and survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) receive empathy and care from their friends, family, and loved ones. However, the most vital support often comes from professional therapeutic assistance.
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