"It Could Be Anybody" Content Analysis of Lay Perceptions of Individuals Committing Online Child Sexual Offences.

The aim of this study was to explore lay person perceptions of individuals who commit online child sexual offenses. Online sexual abuse of children encompasses a wide range of offenses. Shame due to stigma and fear of consequences are significant barriers to help-seeking among individuals who commit online child sexual abuse. Lay perceptions of individuals committing online child sexual offenses were explored through an online survey in Norway. Responses (n = 573) to a question asking the respondents to describe the typical online child sexual offender were analyzed through a qualitative content analysis resulting in four categories. The largest category, "The average Joe" represents a view that it could be anybody. The other categories substantiate more stereotypical perceptions: social marginalization, mental health issues, and antisocial personality. Results indicate that the lay perceptions of individuals who commit online child sexual offenses convey perceptual complexity in line with empirical findings and that media portrayal may contribute to nuancing perceptions. Knowledge of these perceptions may facilitate the development of interventions aiming at reducing stereotyping that hinders effective treatment.