Characteristics of Australian internet sexual offenders: An examination of psychological, offence specific and treatment factors in internet, contact and dual sexual offenders

Research examined whether child exploitation material (CEM) offenders share a similar profile to contact sexual offenders or offenders who engage in both CEM and contact sexual crimes (dual offenders) against children. Results indicated that CEM offenders differ from contact and dual sexual offenders on a number of characteristics including the presence of childhood abuse, childhood adversity, alcohol and substance abuse, paraphilias, relationship status, DSM V diagnosis and mood states. This research may allow for the identification of characteristics that act as warning flags for further offending and aid in the development of therapeutic interventions.