New research highlights the role of the family in the recovery of victims of online sexual abuse

A new study conducted in the Philippines has shed light on the crucial role families play in the recovery and reintegration of child survivors of online sexual abuse and exploitation. The research, published in the journal Current psychologyhighlights the unique challenges these survivors face and outlines strategies that can help restore their confidence and morale.

The study focused on survivors of online child sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC), a growing concern in the digital age, particularly exacerbated by the Covid pandemic. The focus of this study was on the Philippines, which has seen a sharp rise in OSAEC cases, and offered a comprehensive insight into the lives of those who have experienced such trauma.

Researchers from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila used a phenomenological approach, using object-oriented interviews to collect qualitative data from eight child survivors and their families. This method, in which participants interact with objects to stimulate memory and discussion, allowed the researchers to capture detailed, often unrehearsed reflections on the survivors’ life experiences.

The findings show that reintegration into family life is essential for the recovery of OSAEC survivors, who often return to homes where the abuse occurred. Despite the trauma, the family environment is seen as a primary place to rebuild the child’s self-confidence and morale. The study identified three core themes – happiness, harmony and hard work – as crucial to the reintegration process.

Happiness, the study found, comes from the joy of being reunited with family members after being rescued and rehabilitated. Survivors reported feeling relieved and satisfied to be home, even though the transition from a shelter to family life can be challenging.

Harmony in the family dynamic is another crucial element. The study found that survivors who experienced supportive, caring interactions with family members were more likely to regain their self-esteem. This supportive environment helps mitigate the long-term psychological effects of the abuse, such as low self-esteem and emotional distress.

The third theme, hard work, reflects the survivors’ determination to succeed academically and socially, despite their previous experiences. Many of the survivors demonstrated resilience by excelling in school, which in turn strengthened their sense of self-reliance and self-confidence.

The study also introduced the “3H model” of survivor reintegration—happiness, harmony, and hard work—as a framework for understanding how OSAEC survivors can rebuild their lives. This model emphasizes the importance of a nurturing family environment in helping children overcome their traumatic experiences.

But the study also highlights the need for continued support from external stakeholders such as NGOs and government agencies. While families play a crucial role, the complex nature of OSAEC requires a multifaceted approach to rehabilitation, including psychological counseling, legal assistance, and community-based interventions.