Trauma and Related Psychological Outcomes of Adult Survivors of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) in the Philippines

Abstract

Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) is a global phenomenon of technology-facilitated sexual violence harming children across borders. The Philippines became the global epicenter of live-streamed OSAEC, with pioneer evidence highlighting negative mental health effects on child survivors. This study investigated the enduring impact of OSAEC victimization among 47 adult survivors who were exploited around age 12. Assessments were conducted using Post-traumatic Checklist (PCL-5) and Trauma Symptoms Inventory-2 (TSI-2), which showed normal trauma levels overall but elevated suicidal behaviors and tension-reduction behaviors. Significant disparities in trauma symptoms across gender, living arrangements, and relationship with the perpetrator were found. Age during victimization is significantly correlated to the manifestation of specific trauma symptoms. Meanwhile, trauma and related psychological disturbances among survivors become more prominent with an increase in age. The findings affirm that childhood OSAEC victimization has adverse effects on survivors' mental well-being, indicating the need for tailored-fit therapeutic interventions to facilitate their recovery.