Victim-survivors open up about using child abuse material to fight crime

Warning: This article discusses details about child sexual abuse

On one hand, I would have a hard time with the idea of ​​my abuse material even reaching the well-meaning authorities, but on the other hand, using it could help so many other children.

These are the words of a victim-survivor of child sexual abuse. They reflect a deep tension regarding the use of photos or videos depicting child sexual abuse for legitimate purposes.

This material is used by police investigating sexual exploitation, and by courts to prosecute cases. It is also used by the technology industry and researchers to understand and combat its production and distribution.

But there is a substantial gap in research on victim-survivors’ views on this practice. This is a serious problem.

My colleagues and I have been working hard to fill this gap by interviewing victim-survivors to find out what they think. Our initial findings show that they have a range of concerns about the use of child abuse material for legitimate purposes.

An evidence base based on lived experience is needed

Victim-survivors of child sexual abuse are increasingly speaking out about the long-term harm and impact of their images and videos circulating online. The lack of control over the existence of the material and its distribution can impact the recovery of victim-survivors.

Gathering evidence about the views of victim-survivors is an important first step towards making better rules about how child abuse material can be used to combat crime. It ensures that victim-survivors’ views inform processes that support institutional use of abuse material.

Listening to victim-survivors is also an important acknowledgement of their experiences. And it gives them a level of ownership and control over the material that records their abuse.

To help build this evidence base, we surveyed 80 survivors of child sexual abuse to find out what they thought about the tech industry, law enforcement and researchers using child abuse material for legitimate purposes.

Mixed opinions

One of the themes in the survey responses is the need for greater awareness of the retention and use of child abuse material by police, technology companies and researchers.

Only 60% of respondents whose abuse was recorded knew that the material was being suppressed by law enforcement. Only 45% and 35%, respectively, knew that tech companies and researchers were also using this material in their work.

About 90% wanted to be informed about how the material would be used. The same percentage wanted the opportunity to decide how the material would be used, if at all.

As one of the respondents told us:

Victims of child abuse material have already been stripped of their agency and rights in this way. Shouldn’t every step be taken to ensure that consent is obtained BEFORE the material is used?

Our research found that 70% of victims would be happy for the police, courts, investigators or private sector organisations to retain material documenting or depicting the abuse if it was to be used in the investigation or prosecution of the perpetrator(s) of the abuse.

A similar percentage supported the use of material depicting their abuse to investigate or prosecute sexual crimes against other children.

If given the choice, three-quarters of victim-survivors would want all material documenting or depicting their abuse to be destroyed. However, since complete destruction may be impossible, 80% said they would agree to material documenting their abuse being used in technology that helps detect and remove copies of content depicting their abuse posted online.

A majority of respondents (70%) who had abuse recorded said they would support the police, courts, researchers or organisations developing technology to combat this type of crime using the photos and videos of their abuse.

Key lessons

Many victim-survivors were concerned that material depicting their abuse was being preserved.

I also feel like my soul and my childhood are being held hostage again to create good in the world. If only our abuse could stop, but instead its legacy is needed to achieve more.

By listening to these concerns, the tech industry, law enforcement and researchers can better use child pornography to combat crime without re-traumatizing victims.

We are grateful for the courage of our research participants and thank them for their generosity of time, willingness to share their perspectives, and desire to work together to create change. We are deeply grateful to all the victims and survivors who participated in this research and recognize the challenges of providing insights into concepts that were sometimes unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or unclear.

If this article raises concerns for you, or you are concerned about someone you know, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

The national sexual assault, family violence and domestic violence helpline – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of experiencing, domestic violence and/or sexual violence.

13YARN is a free, confidential 24/7 national crisis helpline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope. Call 13 92 76.