“Our Laws Have Not Caught up with the Technology”: Understanding Challenges and Facilitators in Investigating and Prosecuting Child Sexual Abuse Materials in the United States

Olivia Cullen, Keri Zug Ernst, Natalie Dawes, Warren Binford and Gina Dimitropoulos
Additional contact information
Olivia Cullen: Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
Keri Zug Ernst: The Keller Center, San Mateo Medical Center, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA
Natalie Dawes: Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
Warren Binford: College of Law, Willamette University, Salem, OR 97301, USA
Gina Dimitropoulos: Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada

Laws, 2020, vol. 9, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: With technological advances, the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has become one of the fastest growing illicit online industries in the United States. Perpetrators are becoming increasingly sophisticated and exploit cutting-edge technology, making it difficult for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute these crimes. There is limited research on best practices for investigating cases of CSAM. The aim of this research was to understand challenges and facilitators for investigating and prosecuting cases of CSAM as a foundation to develop best practices in this area. To meet these objectives, qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with participants throughout the western United States. Two major themes arose from this research: Theme 1: Challenges to investigating and prosecuting CSAM; and Theme 2: Facilitators to investigating and prosecuting CSAM. Within Theme 1, subthemes included technology and internet service providers, laws, lack of resources, and service provider mental health and well-being. Within Theme 2, subthemes included multidisciplinary teams and training. This research is a first step in understanding the experiences of law enforcement and prosecutors in addressing CSAM. Findings from this study can be used to support the development of best practices for those in the justice system investigating and prosecuting CSAM.

Keywords: child sexual abuse material; child pornography; law enforcement; multidisciplinary work (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D78 E61 E62 F13 F42 F68 K0 K1 K2 K3 K4 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlawss:v:9:y:2020:i:4:p:28-:d:451444

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