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