Review of Therapeutic Care for Survivors of Online Sexual Exploitation in the Philippines

ABSTRACT

Background

In studies and reports conducted on online sexual exploitation and abuse of children (OSAEC), identified gaps include understanding programmes and services for victim-survivors. In the Philippines, care services consist of a blend of programmes specifically tailored for OSAEC and more generalised therapies for trauma. However, there is a lack of documentation regarding the variety of programmes available and the experiences of service providers during implementation. This qualitative study aims to provide a comprehensive description and critical analysis of these existing programmes and services.

Methods

Twenty-two in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants from selected government agencies and non-government organisations involved in providing services for the case management of victim-survivors of OSAEC in identified hotspots.

Results

A thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that a range of programmes and services are offered to address the needs of the survivors in various aspects of their lives, encompassing psychological, medical, educational, spiritual, and even the recreation of home life. A trauma-informed approach was commonly employed, with care often tailored based on age and gender. Challenges and facilitating factors in providing care were also identified, including limited evaluation of existing programmes and services. The findings carry implications for the ongoing implementation of these programmes, the development of new services and programmes, and the formulation of further policies and laws addressing OSAEC and broader issues concerning child protection and wellbeing.

KEYWORDS:

• Online sexual exploitation
• Children
• Trauma
• Residential care
• Intervention

Acknowledgements

This study was made possible through the support of World Hope International and The Salvation Army. The researchers would also like to thank the participating organisations and individuals and the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the World Hope International and The Salvation Army. The contents of this manuscript are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the WHI and TSA.

Notes on contributors

Mary Angeline Daganzo

Mary Angeline Daganzo, PhD, is a Research Management Systems Specialist at Te Rōpū Rangahau | Research & Innovation, University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Her research focuses on child and youth development and wellbeing, with particular interest in the role of the family and the broader social, economic, and cultural context.

Kimberly Kaye Mata

Kimberly Kaye C. Mata, MS, is a part-time Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at De La Salle University. She is a Registered Psychologist accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippines and holds an ICAP Treatment-I certification from The Global Center for Credentialing and Certification (GCCC). Her diverse research interests span various facets of psychology, including complex trauma, intercultural marriage, and self-efficacy. Her work primarily focuses on children, youth, intercultural couples, and childcare workers.

Maria Caridad Tarroja

Dr. Maria Caridad H. Tarroja, a Full Professor of the Department of Psychology at De La Salle University, is a Registered Psychologist and a PAP-certified Assessment and Clinical Psychologist. Her research interests include children and family and clinical-psychology-related topics. She has led several research projects, including research on OSAEC (Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children). She has published in international and local journals on clinical psychology-related topics, such as assessment, family, and children.