While there has been growing knowledge about online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA) victimisation, offending, and response since the late 1990s, far less is known about the economic costs and impacts of OCSEA. This presentation stems from a first-of-its kind Australian study into the economic and financial costs of OCSEA, conducted through a partnership between The University of Queensland and ICMEC Australia. We report results from an initial phase encompassing a literature review; mapping and identification of cost categories, cost types, people likely to be affected, and professional sectors involved; a search for relevant open-source Australian data; and creation of preliminary/tentative hypothetical costing scenarios.

The project’s goals were to establish the existing knowledge base and conceptualise the meaning of OCSEA costs. With this as a backdrop, the presentation will focus on five areas: 1) detailing the 73 different cost types, which fit into six thematic groups/categories, along with the professional sectors likely to be involved and people/entities most likely to pay; 2) reporting what data are available, and missing, and for which costs; 3) summarising research on the costs of child abuse and neglect broadly, and child sexual abuse, as well as the very limited research on costs of OCSEA; 4) presenting costing scenarios to demonstrate ways the research literature and available data could be employed to predict costs; and 5) discussing, with an invitation for audience input, how this research can be actioned toward meaningful change, what professional sectors can do to increase data access and collaboration, and the cross-sectoral opportunities to progress this research area by filling remaining gaps. Comprehending economic costs is crucial for a holistic understanding, including for reducing recidivism, ultimately helping to inform how best to prevent and respond to OCSEA, in what ways, and through which professional, public, private, and industry sectors.