Online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the Philippines: An exploratory study of outcomes after reintegration into the community.

BACKGROUND: This study examined psychosocial outcomes for Filipino survivors of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify relationships between demographic variables, self-reported and caregiver-reported trauma symptoms, and psychosocial functioning among Filipino youth who have experienced OSAEC.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: This study utilized inclusion criteria of survivors of OSAEC between ages 12 and 18 who received residential care and were reintegrated into the community for at least one year (N = 48). Participants were in care at shelters associated with Project PAVE in the Philippines.

METHODS: As measured by three assessment tools, relationships between demographic variables and psychosocial functioning were explored for risk and protective factors of trauma symptoms and psychosocial functioning to better understand this population's needs post-integration.

RESULTS: Results suggest survivors continue to experience psychosocial symptoms after reintegration. Caregivers reported survivors reintegrated outside the home had significantly higher externalizing symptoms (MR = 6.67; H(3) = 14.85, p = .002, η2  = 0.27) compared to survivors reintegrated within the home and survivors who trafficked themselves to have higher internalizing symptoms (MR = 16.79; H(3) = 11.80; p = .008, η2  = 0.20) than survivors trafficked by a relative. Caregivers reported survivors who resided in the shelter for one month or less to have higher internalizing symptoms (MR = 20.12; H(2) = 11.06; p = .004; η2  = 0.20) than survivors who resided in the shelter for six months or longer.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of further research to better understand the needs of this vulnerable population in order to guide the most effective intervention, aftercare, and reintegration programs to support survivors and their caregivers.