The Online Frontier of Child Sexual Exploitation: Challenges in Law Enforcement, Regulation and Treatment

This two-hour webinar will examine the prevalence, impacts and treatment implications of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse (TF-CSEA). TF-CSEA is a rapidly evolving and increasingly prevalent form of sexual violence against children, yet accessible guidance for mental health professionals remains limited. Drawing on contemporary research and clinical experience, the webinar will introduce common forms of TF-CSEA, demystify the technological dimensions of this abuse, and examine the psychological, welfare and safety considerations that arise when working with child victims and adult survivors.

Professor Michael Salter will synthesise the latest evidence on patterns of TF-CSEA and their impacts on victims and survivors. His presentation will address online grooming, sexual extortion, the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, and livestreamed abuse. He will explain how social media platforms, encrypted services and the so-called “dark web” can facilitate offender access to children, the circulation of abuse material and the formation of offender networks. He will also outline relevant resources and response options for practitioners, while identifying significant gaps in Australian and international systems of support.

Kate McMaugh will discuss the implications for clinical practice, examining the distinctive therapeutic needs of people affected by TF-CSEA. Her presentation will consider assessment, trauma-informed treatment, safeguarding and risk management, including the challenges created by the ongoing circulation of abuse material, offender contact or threats, shame and self-blame, and anxiety about the extent of distribution and online audience for the abuse. Kate will also discuss ways in which therapists can support parents whose children have been victims of TF-CSEA.

Together, the presenters will offer an integrated framework for recognising and responding to TF-CSEA across therapeutic and support settings.

Learning Outcomes

Increased awareness about the prevalence, presentations and patterns of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse (TF-CSEA).
A greater understanding of the impacts of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse (TF-CSEA).
Knowledge about safeguarding requirements to prevent the harms of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse (TF-CSEA).
Clinical skills required to support child victims and the parents of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse (TF-CSEA).

The Online Frontier of Child Sexual Exploitation: Challenges in Law Enforcement, Regulation and Treatment

Prof. Michael Salter

Kate McMaugh

Date	Start Time	Finish Time	Hours	Time Zone
February 27, 2027	9:00 am	11:00 am	2	AEDT

Super Saver Price:

$AUD120.00 | Groups 3+ $AUD110

Until4 Dec 2026

Early Bird Price:

$AUD135.00 | Groups 3+ $AUD125

Until12 Feb 2027

Standard Price:

$AUD150.00 | Groups 3+ $AUD140

Student Price:

$AUD100.00

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About Prof. Michael Salter

Professor Michael Salter is Professor of Criminology at the University of New South Wales and the founding Director of the Childlight East Asia & Pacific Hub. He is an internationally recognised expert on child sexual abuse and exploitation, technology-facilitated abuse, violence against women and complex trauma. His research examines the causes, dynamics and impacts of sexual violence, as well as opportunities for prevention and systemic reform across child protection, mental health, law enforcement and technology regulation.

Professor Salter is the author of two books—Organised Sexual Abuse (2013, Routledge) and Crime, Justice and Social Media (2017, Routledge)—and more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. His current research includes international studies of child sexual abuse perpetration and prevention, online and technology-facilitated abuse, offender pathways, and the intersections between child sexual abuse and domestic and family violence.

Professor Salter served as President of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation in 2023 and was made a Fellow of the Society in 2021. He serves on the editorial boards of Child Abuse Review, the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, and Child Rights, Technology and Wellbeing.

About Kate McMaugh

Kate is a clinical psychologist who works primarily providing assessment and treatment to people with complex trauma, dissociative disorders, vicarious trauma and birth trauma. She also provides training, case consultation and clinical supervision to other health professionals working with complex trauma and dissociative disorders.

Kate has published articles on the history of the false memory movement, trauma and disability, DID, incestuous abuse, and childbirth trauma. She has recently completed research into therapists’ experiences of working with clients who have experienced incestuous abuse which has continued into adulthood. She is currently expanding on this research for her doctorate program at the University of NSW.

She regularly presents on topics related to complex trauma, DID and organised abuse to Australian and International audiences. In addition to her clinical work, Kate has held several leadership positions within the International Society for Trauma and Dissociation, has been a long-term editor of their membership newsletter, and is the recipient of several Society awards.

In addition to her psychology training Kate also has qualifications in public health, health promotion and program evaluation. She continues to be involved in several public health and health promotion projects through research, evaluation and report writing.

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