Factors Associated with Help-Seeking Among Online Child Sexual Abuse Material Offenders: Results of an Anonymous Survey on the Dark Web

Abstract

The proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online is a global epidemic. Recently, programs to prevent child sexual abuse perpetration are being developed, and mounting evidence suggests that these measures can mitigate the risk of abuse. This study investigates the factors associated with help-seeking among CSAM offenders to inform efforts to increase uptake and strengthen effectiveness of such interventions. We analyze survey responses from 4,493 individuals who self-report to use CSAM. 55.0% of respondents report that they would like to stop using CSAM; however, only 13.8% have sought help, and only 3.2% have accessed help. The respondents most likely to want to stop using CSAM are those who report difficulties with mental health, in daily life, and related to use of CSAM. The respondents most likely to have sought treatment include those who report that they have sought contact with children, have experienced self-harm or suicidal thoughts, are in contact with other offenders, experience difficulties related to CSAM and in daily life, and view CSAM depicting toddlers and infants. We complement the findings with insights from a survey of 255 help-seeking individuals participating in an online self-help program to stop CSAM use.