Impact of online and offline child sexual abuse: "Everyone deserves to be happy and safe": How young people are affected by sexual abuse and how professionals respond to it

We need to understand the impact of child sexual abuse (CSA) so we can provide appropriate support to children. We live in an increasingly digital world but know relatively little about the effects of CSA carried out using online or digital technologies (technology-assisted CSA, or TA-CSA). We commissioned researchers from the University of Bath, University of Birmingham and CEOP to find out more.

The research team carried out interviews and questionnaires with a group of young people aged 15-19, who were recruited through the NSPCC, Childline and the National Crime Agency. The research focused on TA-CSA in particular, but sexual abuse often involves both offline and online contexts and environments.

Professionals were asked how they perceive TA-CSA, and what impact they think it has on young people.