‘So what about the stories?’ An exploratory study of the definition, use, and function of Narrative Child Sexual Exploitation Material

ABSTRACT

The legal and psychological research surrounding online Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM) is focused on visual depictions of children, either as still images or movies. Narrative CSEM (N-CSEM) describes an under-researched area, resulting from difficulties surrounding its conceptualisation, both legally as well as concerning the function for its users. The current study describes an initial attempt in defining N-CSEM in comparison to visual material, based on interviews with users of CSEM and N-CSEM and professionals working with this user group. Thematic Analysis resulted in three super-ordinate themes. All themes were analysed and enriched from the perspectives of user- and service-representatives. The study provides insight into N-CSEM as a separate entity from visual CSEM, challenging and informing legal decision-making and assessment and treatment providers for users of CSEM.

KEYWORDS:

• Child sexual exploitation material
• Narrative Child Sexual Exploitation Material
• thematic analysis
• child abusive images
• online sex offending

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCiD

Hannah L. Merdian http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2030-7694