Long-term victim trauma analysis

Long-term analysis of the personal implications (e.g. health, economic, social, education) of being a child victim or survivor of online sexual abuse and exploitation is crucial for two core reasons: (i) it can inform targeted immediate and long-term support services, and (ii) it can be used as evidence for campaigning, advocacy and policy and systems change, particularly targeting the government and technology industry actors. (See capabilities 9, 10, 11, 12).
Similarly, long-term analysis of the societal implications (e.g. education attainment, economic development, social interactions, community dynamics) of having a range of child victims or survivors of online sexual abuse and exploitation across the globe can inform: (i) immediate and long-term social support and online safety education programmes and services, and (ii) campaigns, advocacy and policy and systems change, particularly targeting the government and technology industry actors. It can also help target future resources towards those worst affected and equip parents/caregivers to play their best role in aiding recovery.

Targeted research projects (long-term / 5+ years or longitudinal where possible) with a baseline and pre-set, relevant and appropriate indicators, and both qualitative and quantitative research tools, should be established to monitor and analyse implications over the long-term or reflect back on changes over time.
Where possible, and not in contravention of confidentiality or privacy legislation, intersectional analysis should be integrated into the research. This is key to being able to design effective programmes that actually prevent and respond to the identified threats and risks.
Input from different groups of children and stakeholders with varied expertise (e.g. economic, social welfare, and education professionals) across organisations, sectors and countries will strengthen the research quality.

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