Photo: Freepik

Written by Tampere University

At SafeHorizon, we look beyond the technology of crime. We study the people who drive the demand. To stop the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), we must understand who is buying and viewing it.

A new systematic review published in Sexual Medicine Reviews (2026) combines data from 35 studies to build a clear profile of these offenders. The results challenge many common beliefs and highlight the hidden nature of this threat.

  • Most offenders are white men who have good educations and hold steady jobs.
  • They are not just young or old; they range from 17 to 83 years old.
  • Despite their professional success, these men are often single and struggle to maintain close relationships.
  • They rarely have biological children of their own.
  • The research reveals that these individuals use mental tricks to excuse their behavior. Offenders often minimize their actions. They tell themselves that “what is posted online is not real.” Many offenders suffered from abuse or trauma during their childhoods. High levels of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are common. These factors often drive them to use CSAM as an escape from reality.

Types of Offenders

Not every offender acts the same way. The study identifies two main groups:

  • Consumers: These individuals only view or collect material. They often start out of curiosity or by accident but get trapped by their own psychological issues.
  • Distributors: A more dangerous group actively trades or sells the material. They often do this for money or to gain status in online criminal networks.

Reference: https://academic.oup.com/smr/article/14/1/qeaf081/8417127