Online Abuse: The Offender in Your Pocket

In this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar interviews psychotherapist and researcher Anette Birgersson about multidisciplinary professionals’ perspectives on online child sexual abuse, including why prevalence is hard to measure due to research barriers with younger children, normalization, and underreporting driven by shame and guilt. They discuss how many cases are discovered through police investigations rather than child disclosure, creating varied reactions and challenges for forensic interviewers and families. Birgersson describes online abuse as an ongoing trauma because images may continue to spread and offenders can reengage, requiring adaptations to TF-CBT such as early psychoeducation, safety planning, and ongoing family communication. Professionals report caregivers often learn via a police call and may react in shock, needing crisis support and normalization. Birgersson highlights system gaps in Sweden where cases often bypass Barnahus, limiting coordinated support, medical involvement, and resources despite severe consequences. 

Time Stamps: 

Time. Topic 

00:00 Episode Setup 

01:25 Anette Background 

02:46 Why Prevalence Varies 

04:51 Discovered Not Disclosed 

08:48 Study Questions 

11:20 Complicity and Self-Blame 

15:09 Ongoing Trauma Online 

17:27 Adapting TF-CBT 

20:19 Caregiver Shock and Support 

25:06 Loneliness and Risk Factors 

28:20 Engaging Caregivers in Treatment 

32:13 Why Barnahus Matters 

38:11 Closing Takeaways 

40:50 Wrap Up and Next Episodes

Resources:

Support, snacks, and a tailored approach to empower recovery: professionals’ insights on supporting children victimized by online child sexual abuse - PMC

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