Risk Factors and Predictors of Penetrative Online Child Sexual Abuse.

INTRODUCTION

Online child sexual abuse (CSA) involves sharing abusive images, sexual communications, and forming pedophilic networks, leading to both short- and long-term psychiatric issues for victims. The present study aimed to identify risk factors for penetrative online CSA.

METHOD: Analysis of medical records from 1,501 cases at a child advocacy center in Turkey identified 221 cases of online CSA, categorized into penetrative and nonpenetrative groups.

RESULTS

Among 1,501 cases, 19.2% involved online CSA. Victims' mean age was 14.50 ± 1.65 years; perpetrators averaged 23.00 ± 9.60 years. Most victims were girls (92.3%) and had dropped out of school (79.2%). Instagram was the most common platform (71.5%). Higher rates of sexting, risky behaviors, and threats of exposure were seen in the penetrative group. Predictors included the victim's age, sexting, running away, and threats of exposure.

DISCUSSION: Key differences between penetrative and nonpenetrative online CSA underscore the need for targeted prevention and intervention.