Rolling out the red carpet: Non-offending partners and affected family members as allies in disruption.

BACKGROUND

In Australia, there is a lack of research on the impacts on law enforcement officers (LEO) and agencies (LEA) working with families impacted by child sexual abuse. PartnerSPEAK is the only Australian specialist not-for-profit, peer-led agency advocating for the secondary victims or non-offending partners and affected family members (NOP/AFM) of those who engage in the online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC).

OBJECTIVE

This research explores the interactions between Australian specialised OSEC law enforcers and the NOP/AFM of OSEC perpetrators and how these impact well-being and investigative efficacy.

SETTING AND

PARTICIPANTS

This research surveyed 48 Australian OSEC specialist investigators online from within the Australian Federal Police, Border Force, and local law enforcement agencies.

DESIGN

This study employed a mixed-method design, including quantitative scaled responses and qualitative open-ended questions through an online survey.

RESULTS

The results showed investigators reported responding to families as more distressing than viewing OSEC. Additionally, positive relationships with NOP/AFM enhanced well-being and justice outcomes. However, given the research design, methods, and sample size, we could not determine statistical significance from the findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Responding to non-offending family members is not an adjunct to the investigator's role but is an integral part of OSEC investigations. Therefore, we recommend that law enforcement leadership prioritise improving the procedures and well-being of investigators and non-offending family members impacted by OSEC investigations. This study provides the first evidence in examining this topic and, as such, has meaningful practice implications for law enforcement and opportunities to build on these findings.