Looking is not as bad as touching - or is it? Considering risk in offenders who use child sexual exploitation material

<p>There has been much debate about the availability of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) on the internet, highlighted by the tragic deaths of April Jones (5 years) and Tia Sharp (12 years), whose killers viewed and collected CSEM. Discussion surrounding such cases has focused on a potentially causal link between CSEM and sexually motivated crimes against children.Since the advent of the internet, convictions for the possession, exchange and/or production of CSEM have risen dramatically. A substantial body of research on internet sex offenders has emerged and professionals are developing a knowledge base regarding assessment and treatment needs of CSEM users.However, the question of risk remains a central concern: How likely is a CSEM user to commit a contact sex offence against a child in the future? Is there a causal link between “looking” and “touching”?The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, together with Prof Derek Perkins (West London Mental Health Trust) & Dr Hannah Merdian (University of Lincoln) would like to invite you to a one-day conference addressing the issue of risk assessment and risk management in working with CSEM users.The Lucy Faithfull Foundation (LFF) is a child protection charity, committed to reducing the risk of children being sexually abused. Proceeds from the conference and any donations will go to the Lucy Faithfull Foundation with sincere thanks to support its work.</p>