Written by Tampere University
The SafeHorizon project co-authored an article for the journal Child Abuse & Neglect, offering critical insights into the varied profiles of individuals who access child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Titled “Investigating the Disparities Among Child Sexual Abuse Material Users: Anonymous Self-Reports from Both Charged and Uncharged Individuals,” the research examines behavioral and motivational differences among CSAM users, distinguishing between those who have faced legal charges and those who have not.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107299
The study analyzed anonymous survey data from 2,384 individuals who sought CSAM on the dark web. Participants were categorized into three groups: those charged with sexual offenses against children (CS offenders), those charged with offenses against adults (AS offenders), and those with no charges (NC group). Findings revealed that individuals with a history of violent offenses or those who had groomed children online, had physical contact with children, or searched for material depicting infants and toddlers were significantly more likely to belong to the CS or AS offender groups.
Figure 1: CSAM websites are widely present in the onion space; Ahmia.fi not only filters these websites but also completely blocks sexual searches; instead, it provides research survey links and help services for those sexually interested in children.
This research underscores the importance of understanding the diverse characteristics and motivations of CSAM users. By identifying specific behavioral patterns and risk factors, the study contributes to more effective strategies for investigation, assessment, and treatment of sexual offenders. The SafeHorizon project’s involvement in this study highlights its commitment to advancing knowledge and developing targeted interventions to combat online child sexual exploitation.
