How would a child see it?

This qualititative research aimed to give a voice to children who have a parent who has downloaded indecent images of children (IIOC). There is a solid research base regarding people who download IIOC. However there is no... [ view full abstract ]

This qualititative research aimed to give a voice to children who have a parent who has downloaded indecent images of children (IIOC). There is a solid research base regarding people who download IIOC. However there is no specific guidance for practitioners regarding how to apply this in a family setting. As such there is a danger that families will receive inconsistent responses from intervening agencies. Very little is known about the child's experience when a parent is arrested for downloading IIOC. Questions are raised in relation to the wide variety of risks to the child in this context for example; the risk the child has been exposed to the images, the risk that they will be told about the offence in a way that is emotionally harmful to them, the risk that the child has been sexually abused or will be in the future, the risk that offence will feature in the media and the child will become isolated and bullied, the risk of harm caused by separation from their parent and the risk the non-offending parent will not be able to cope. The research provided families with an opportunity to share their experience. The families shared valuable insights regarding the intervening agencies. The research explores the impact on children including the relationship with their parent before and after the offence. The findings potentially challenge traditional concepts of harm and protection.