Child, parent, perpetrator, victim: The statutory social work response to children and families affected by technology‑assisted child sexual abuse

Description

Children are being harmed emotionally, physically, and sexually by technology assisted child sexual abuse (TA CSA). Despite the growing prevalence of this form of harm, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding the role of statutory social workers, the key professionals responsible for assessing and responding to child abuse in the UK. This study therefore questions the role of the state in responding to TA CSA and seeks to establish what is required to ensure meaningful child protection, from the perspectives of families affected and social workers tasked with responding to it. This qualitative, sequential study, underpinned by critical realism, examines the statutory social work response across all referral pathways into children’s social care. These include children identified as victims of TA CSA, children alleged to have displayed technology assisted harmful sexual behaviour, and children whose parent/carer has been arrested for TA CSA offences. All are included to develop a comprehensive understanding of current practice and what an effective safeguarding response needs to be. The first phase, involving surveys and interviews with parents/carers, has now been completed and is informing the next stage of data collection with social workers. Early themes include unfulfilled expectations of children’s social care, disproportionate burdens placed on mothers, inconsistent messaging between police and social workers, significant disruption to family life, and enduring trauma. A clear disconnect is emerging between what families need when affected by TA CSA and their reported experiences. These findings will inform recommendations to strengthen the safeguarding of children and families affected by TA CSA.

Period	10 Jun 2026
Event title	HHS Engage PGR Conference
Event type	Conference
Degree of Recognition	Local