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 EpisodesResources:Support, snacks, and a tailored approach to empower recovery: professionals’ insights on supporting children victimized by online child sexual abuse - PMCSupport the showDid you like this episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.