Sexuality Education & Therapy with Children
From digital harm to recovery: a multidisciplinary framework for First Aid after Online Sexual Abuse.
Open Access: Yes.
Abstract
Online sexual abuse in adolescence encompasses various forms of digital exploitation, including grooming, sexting, sextortion, and image-based sexual abuse. Current research indicates that a significant proportion of minors are exposed to online sexual abuse. The psychological impact on victims includes severe mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Responses to online sexual abuse disclosures often require a multidisciplinary approach. In the Netherlands, Sexual Assault Centers (SACs) utilize the First Aid after Online Sexual Abuse protocol. This approach addresses immediate safety and (forensic) medical concerns, facilitates the removal of image-based content, and supports natural recovery while providing referrals for psychological treatment if needed. This paper highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary response to online sexual abuse, emphasizing the importance of integrating psychological, medical, and legal support to tackle the complex challenges posed by online abuse, ensuring effective, context-sensitive interventions, and supporting victims’ recovery and well-being.
Relevance
“Online sexual abuse is a form of transgression with potentially severe consequences for (mental) health. It should be acknowledged as a potentially traumatic event (PTE) and categorized as an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE).”
“Forms of online sexual abuse, such as grooming, sextortion, and image-based abuse, often result in severe emotional distress, anxiety, isolation, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. These effects are comparable to, and in some cases exceed, those of offline, hands- on abuse, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive and multidisciplinary interventions.”
This protocol for intervention implemented by the Dutch Sexual Assault Centers (SACs) is multidisciplinary and provides accessible around-the-clock care. that includes psychological support, medical care, and legal assistance.
Citation
Knipschild, R., Covers, M., & Bicanic, I. A. E. (2025). From digital harm to recovery: a multidisciplinary framework for First Aid after Online Sexual Abuse. European journal of psychotraumatology, 16(1), 2465083. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2025.2465083
