Live streaming of child sexual abuse presents challenges for law enforcement and policy development. This study analysed chat logs from seven offenders who watched and directed the sexual abuse of 74 children (mostly in the Philippines) via live stream. The study found that offenders paid facilitators and victims very small amounts of money (median A$51) to view the sexual abuse of children, and used mainstream messaging and video platforms (eg Facebook) to communicate and transmit the abusive materials. Two key factors emerged from this study that present potential points for intervention and disruption: payment characteristics (such as price ranges and the use of remittance services) and messaging platforms where offenders view CSA live streaming.
This study analysed chat logs obtained for seven offenders who committed 145 child sexual abuse (CSA) live streaming offences against 74 victims. The study found that offenders accessed victims online or by forming relationships with Filipino locals during trips to the Philippines, which would then move online and lead to CSA live streaming. A facilitator was involved in approximately 35 percent of offences. Facilitators were often female family members of victims (eg mothers and sisters). Some facilitators appeared to have experienced child sexual abuse as well. Although some offenders intentionally targeted children, it was also common for offenders to receive unsolicited offers of CSA live streaming from facilitators and victims. This suggests that some CSA live streaming offenders are ‘opportunistic’, and may be responsive to situational crime prevention and primary prevention measures such as messaging campaigns and online warning messages posted on specific sites where victims are targeted.
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