Risk assessment of online child abuse material (CAM) offenders: a review of existing tools
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-05-2017-0022 |
| Published date | 09 May 2018 |
| Pages | 150-161 |
| Date | 09 May 2018 |
| Author | Catherine Garrington,Peter Chamberlain,Debra Rickwood,Douglas P. Boer |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Criminal psychology,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Deviant behaviour,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice |
Risk assessment of online child abuse
material (CAM) offenders: a review of
existing tools
Catherine Garrington, Peter Chamberlain, Debra Rickwood and Douglas P. Boer
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to summarise the available risk and assessment tools for child abuse
material (CAM) offenders. Noting the rise of internet-based offences surrounding CAM, it has been proposed
that there may be substantial differences between internet only (IO) offenders, contact only and mixed profile
sexual offenders.
Design/methodology/approach –Through online searches, risk assessment tools for sexual offenders
were identified. Scoring manuals were consulted for applicability to IO offenders.
Findings –Nine risk assessment tools for sexual offenders were included. Risk assessment tools for sexual
offenders use cautionary language regarding the application of sexual offence risk assessment tools to IO
offenders. An additional five tools were identified specifically addressing IO offenders. Three of these tools
address risk assessment and two assess cognitions and behaviours.
Research limitations/implications –Limitations include the identification of static and dynamic risk factors
and the application of structured professional judgement.
Practical implications –By drawing together existing tools and recommendations for use with the IO
offender population, a gap is identified for CAM specific risk assessment tools.
Originality/value –Appropriate risk assessment, case planning and treatment will contribute to the
appropriate management and treatment of the IO offender population.
Keywords Assessment, Exploitation, Abuse, Risk, Child, CAM
Paper type General review
Introduction
Following the rise of the internet from a specialised scientific research tool in the 1980s to a
network available to over 90 per cent of the Australian population, sexual offence types have
altered over time. For example, child abuse material (CAM) has become more accessible. Prior to
the internet, individuals with deviant sexual interests had to network face-to-face and obtain
illegal images in person or via mail order. Subsequent to common usage internet, those
individuals are able to remain in the privacy of their own home. Further, they are able to maintain
some level of secrecy as to their identity and their actions, and only risk exposure by accident,
betrayal or when traced and identified by a law enforcement agency.
This paper is concerned with internet only (IO) offenders, those who have acquired CAM images
of children not known to themselves via the internet. Possible methods of acquisition include
peer-to-peer downloads, searches on the mainstream internet or the Dark Web (see Owen and
Savage, 2015 for further discussion), noticeboard downloads, trading with other CAM users on
chat boards, and via e-mail or webcam.
Whilst IO offenders do not have a victim with whom they have had direct contact, they are
contributing to the worldwide sexual exploitation of children. The demand for CAM material is
encouraged by ongoing downloading and trading of such images, with likely devastating
consequences for the child victims (see Rogers, 2008). While much of the CAM material is free
Received 5 May 2017
Revised 7 August 2017
8 September 2017
Accepted 13 September 2017
Catherine Garrington is a
Student at the University of
Canberra, Canberra, Australia.
Dr Peter Chamberlain was
based at the University of
Canberra, Canberra, Australia.
Dr Debra Rickwood is a
Professor of Psychology and
Dr Douglas P. Boer is a
Professor of Clinical
Psychology both at the
University of Canberra,
Canberra, Australia.
PAGE150
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JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY
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VOL. 8 NO. 2 2018, pp. 150-161, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2009-3829 DOI 10.1108/JCP-05-2017-0022
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