A new AIC study examined threads on a darknet forum for undetected online and contact child sexual offenders to identify key drivers and deterrents of offending and to inform intervention approaches.
- Online communities and networks of like-minded offenders help shape views about, and alleviate responsibility for, sexual offending against children.
- Tor networks, secure storage and erasure programs offer increased opportunities to offend and avoid detection, driving continued offending.
- Acknowledgement of the harm to children, feelings of guilt and shame, and concern about being caught by law enforcement or detected by family and friends are reported to act as deterrents of continued offending.