A systematic review of risk variables for child abuse material offenders
| Date | 14 May 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-05-2017-0013 |
| Published date | 14 May 2018 |
| Pages | 91-101 |
| Author | Catherine Garrington,Debra Rickwood,Peter Chamberlain,Douglas P. Boer |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Law enforcement/correctional,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice |
A systematic review of risk variables for
child abuse material offenders
Catherine Garrington, Debra Rickwood, Peter Chamberlain and Douglas P. Boer
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to co llate the available rese arch into the characteris tics of child
abuse material (CAM) offenders to inform future assessment and treatment options. This systematic
review collates the contribution and directionality of variables from existing research assessing an
offenders’use of CAM.
Design/methodology/approach –Background and definitions of terminology are reviewed, and a
summary of sexual reoffending rates provided. Articles were then identified for inclusion through a systematic
review using online searches, EBSCOHost and other databases. Articles were also identified from reference
lists. After exclusions, the final sample (n¼17) were reviewed for identified variables and their directional
contribution to risk.
Findings –Internet only (IO) offenders present with a range of similarities and differences. The demographic,
psychological and offence-specific risk variables identified suggest IO offenders differ from other types of
sexual offenders. Using the collated variables, IO offender profiles are suggested.
Research limitations/implications –Limitations have been identified in the availability of research in this
area, the variety of terminology and the definitions in common usage. Additionally, there are challenges in
ascertaining the truthfulness of self-reported data.
Practical implications –Development of IO offender-specific risk assessment tools would contribute to
advances in targeted supervision and treatment. In turn, this contributes to community safety by protecting
children from online sexual victimisation.
Originality/value –Based on identified gaps, this review contributes to ongoing research by signalling future
pathways for IO offender-specific risk assessment.
Keywords Assessment, Offending, Review, Risk, Abuse, Exploitation, Child, CAM, Recidivism
Paper type Literature review
Introduction
Opportunities for seeking child abuse material (CAM) have increased, with the internet allowing
greater levels of accessibility and anonymity. Policing the internet for the sexual abuse of children
has become a major international concern. Removal of practical barriers may have resulted in
people accessing CAM who may not have previously done so (Faust et al., 2014). Krone (2004)
acknowledges the impact of the internet on such behaviours and notes it is not possible to know
how the internet may have contributed to the previously existing demand.
There are a variety of terms relating to child sexual abuse (CSA) material. These include child
sexual exploitation material, child abuse images and CSA imagery. These terms replace the
previous and outdated term of child pornography (CP). This systematic review focuses on
offenders who source and download child abuse images or videos online, or internet only (IO)
offenders. Other types of sexual offenders include those who produce child abuse images or
solicit sexual contact with children offline, or contact offenders (CO), and mixed offenders who
commit both online and offline child sexual offences.
Despite the assertions of some sentencing judges and offenders convicted of CAM downloads
and/or possession, it is not a victimless crime (Rogers, 2008). The effects on the victims
of CAM production are widely detailed in Rogers (2008) and von Weiler et al. (2010). Effects can
Received 5 May 2017
Revised 18 July 2017
7 August 2017
Accepted 30 August 2017
Since the time of writing this paper
Peter Chamberlainregrettably died.
Catherine Garrington is a
Student and Dr Debra
Rickwood is a Professor of
Psychology, both at the Faculty
of Health, University of
Canberra, Canberra, Australia.
Dr Peter Chamberlain was
based at the Faculty of Health,
University of Canberra,
Canberra, Australia.
Dr Douglas P. Boer is a
Professor of Clinical
Psychology at the Department
of Psychology, University of
Canberra, Canberra, Australia.
DOI 10.1108/JFP-05-2017-0013 VOL. 20 NO. 2 2018, pp. 91-101, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794
j
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
j
PAG E 91
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