Developmental and Psychological Profiles, Risk Assessment, and Recidivism in Online Versus Contact Child Sexual Offending: A Systematic Review

Background

Online child sexual offending, particularly offences involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM), represents a growing area of concern. However, uncertainty remains regarding whether individuals who engage in online offences differ meaningfully from those who commit contact child sexual abuse (CSA) in their developmental histories, psychological characteristics, risk profiles, and treatment needs.