Gap Analysis of Services for Victims and Survivors of Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Canada

Terminology

The term “online CSEA” 1 encompasses a broad range of conduct related to the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and youth online. However, those interviewed for this report often limited their response to a particular form of online CSEA, such as online luring, or child trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation with online components. Therefore, a comprehensive evidence base regarding specialized services for victims of online CSEA should involve examining whether different approaches are required for different types of online CSEA, as well as evaluating which methods are most appropriate for the various developmental stages of child, youth, or adult survivors.

“CYAC” refers to Child and Youth Advocacy Centres, which provide a coordinated, multidisciplinary, and cross-sectoral approach to supporting children and youth involved in the justice system in a safe, comfortable environment, which has been shown to effectively address the needs of child and youth crime victims and their families. CYAC is the term used generally in Canada for this model of service delivery, although in the United States, Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is commonly used. This report uses CYAC to include both terms.