Study of Convicted Online Sexual Exploitation of Children

Study of Convicted Online Sexual Exploitation of Children

Project Director:  Melvin A. Jabar
Funding Agency:  Justice and Care

Online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) has increased exponentially in recent years with the rapid growth of high-speed internet connectivity, increased mobile devices and access to online payment mechanisms. Vulnerability to OSEC has only heightened throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, with customers and facilitators enjoying an unprecedented level of access to children. This study adopts a mixed-method case study design in order to investigate the dynamics of “supply side” OSEC offending in the Philippines and these offenders’ interactions with consumers of OSEC (“demand side” offenders). The primary objectives of this study are to develop knowledge of how these offenders committed their crimes, to inform strategies related to investigation (law enforcement) and facilitation (technological and financial sectors); and to understand why these offenders chose to commit OSEC crimes, to better inform protective, preventative, and rehabilitative measures. The study will be published and shared to inform decisions related to education, prevention, intervention, prosecution, aftercare, and other policies and practices.