The CSA Centre: October Newsletter 2023

Posted on 30 October 2023

The Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse newsletter  Key messages from research on child sexual abuse in online contexts, our new website, learning week with the AoCPP, news article and a free webinar opportunity. New: Two Key messages from research editions on child sexual abuse in online contexts     The use of the internet, social media, digital devices and messaging services is now embedded in our daily lives. This can bring freedom and opportunity, but research suggests online contexts now feature in almost all types of child sexual abuse, so there is also the potential for harm. Indeed, in a recent US survey, 16% of young adults reported being sexually abused before 18, mostly by family members, friends or acquaintances. Among these 36% were abused by people aged 18-25 in online contexts, 15% were abused by older adults and almost one-third (30%) said they were sexually harmed by other children. While the impact on children of sexual abuse in online contexts can be severe and varied, effective intervention, education and support from professionals and the wider family can make an impact. To help professionals navigate this context of child sexual abuse, we’ve released two new Key messages from research papers on child sexual abuse by adults in online contexts, and on harmful sexual behaviour in online contexts. Designed to guide confident, evidence-informed practice, discover our accessible research overviews today.   Read the key messages     The new CSA Centre website   Designed to make our research and resources on tackling and responding to sexual abuse easier to find and engage with than ever before. Visit the site today and browse our research, resources, courses and events.     Visit the CSA Centre website     Understanding child sexual abuse online: A learning week to guide confident practice     We have partnered with the Association of Child Protection Professionals (AoCPP) for the Understanding child sexual abuse online learning week from the 13th to 17th November.  This week of lunchtime sessions supports professional response with lunchtime talks and workshops from experienced professionals, academics, and researchers.   Monday 13th November An introduction to child sexual abuse online Tuesday 14th November Harmful sexual behaviour and digital technology Wednesday 15th November What’s next? The tech industry’s response to child sexual abuse online Thursday 16th November The law enforcement response to the threat of online abuse Friday 17th November Managing risk and trauma after online sexual offending   Tickets are £150 for the full week or £35 per session, with discounts for students and AOCPP members.   Book your place       Supporting families affected by online sexual offending   “I lived in fear every day. Fear about the impact on my children. Fear every time the doorbell or my phone rang. Fear of what was coming next. It feels like I’m branded, like it is written on my forehead, and everyone knows. Most people won’t actually know but you feel they could find out at any moment.” Emma, whose brother was charged with online sexual offending   The CSA Centre worked with Children & Young People Now this month to produce a 4-page feature with the Lucy Faithful Foundation highlighting how professionals can support families, when a parent or carer has accessed child sexual abuse material. The feature (also available online below) combines advice from our free Managing risk and trauma guide with real life accounts, professional experiences and what the latest data shows.   Read the article   Download the guide     Free webinar: Using our resources in practice     Looking for advice on how to use our resources in your own work? We’re hosting two new dates in our popular one-hour introductory webinar series, designed to equip professionals working with children with the knowledge and confidence to use our resources in practice: 21st November –  Responding to harmful sexual behaviour in education settings, for advice on using our Safety planning in education guide. 27th November – Speaking to children about sexual abuse, advice on using our Communicating with children guide. Book now for free to avoid missing out.   Responding to harmful sexual behaviour in education settings   Speaking to children about sexual abuse