Victoria Styan

Safeguarding in the Context of Technology-Assisted Child Sexual Abuse (TA-CSA): Family Experiences and Social Work Responses

Poter Session Abstract

Children and families come into contact with statutory social workers when concerns arise around Technology-Assisted Child Sexual Abuse (TA-CSA).

This includes situations where a child is a victim, is alleged to have displayed technology-assisted harmful sexual behaviour, or when a parent is arrested in connection with TA-CSA allegations.

These scenarios are distinct but canoverlap and intersect, therefore this research is looking at all aspects of social work in response to TA-CSA. It explores how families experience assessment and intervention during these often highly sensitive and distressing circumstances.

Adopting a holistic lens, the study also examines the legal and policy frameworks that shape statutory responses, situating TA-CSA within child protection legislation. Central to the research are the voices of families and social workers navigating the complexities of safeguarding in this area.

Early findings suggest that families are often accepting, and at times hopeful, about the involvement of social workers. Many anticipate support to navigate changes in family relationships, manage practical disruptions to daily life, and address parent and child emotional wellbeing.

However, instead of receiving the support they hope for, families report experiencing blame and shame, which can intensify emotional strain and undermine wellbeing.The research highlights opportunities for social workers to adopt trauma-informed and whole-family approaches, utilising existing frameworks to acknowledge the wider harms of TA-CSA and offer more compassionate and effective pathways to safeguarding.

Biography

Vicky is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Huddersfield. She is an experienced social worker and team manager, with over 17 years of practice in both statutory and voluntary sectors. Vicky is currently undertaking PhD research focused on Technology-Assisted Child Sexual Abuse (TA-CSA).

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