A new study from the Philippines has highlighted the crucial role families play in the recovery and reintegration of children who have survived online sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC). Published in the journal Current Psychology, the research focused on the unique challenges these survivors face and outlined strategies to help restore their confidence and morale.
Set in the Philippines, a country that has seen a sharp rise in OSAEC cases, particularly during the Covid pandemic, the study provides a comprehensive look into the lives of these traumatised children. Researchers from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila employed a phenomenological approach, using object-centred interviews to gather qualitative data from eight child survivors and their families. This method, which involves participants interacting with objects to stimulate recall and discussion, allowed for capturing detailed, often unrehearsed reflections on the survivors’ lived experiences.
Jeremaiah Opiniano, PhD, the lead researcher, explained: “OSAEC survivors view their reintegration through the lens of what we call the 3H model, which emphasises happiness, hard work, and harmony as key elements in their recovery process.”
The study reveals that reintegration into family life is vital for the recovery of OSAEC survivors, who often return to homes where the abuse occurred. Despite the trauma, the family environment remains a primary site for rebuilding the child’s confidence and morale.
According to the research, happiness stems from the joy of reuniting with family members after rescue and rehabilitation. Survivors expressed relief and contentment at being back home, even though the transition from a shelter to family life can be challenging. Harmony within the family dynamic also emerged as critical; survivors who experienced supportive, caring interactions with family members were more likely to regain their self-esteem, helping to mitigate the long-term psychological impacts of the abuse, such as low self-worth and emotional distress.
“The family’s role in the survivors’ reintegration can be described as a ‘Ricochet of Efforts to Revive OSAEC Survivors’ Morale and Confidence‘,” Opiniano noted. “These efforts include reclaiming the survivor’s morale and confidence, renewing family harmony, and repulsing external forces that might rekindle traumatic experiences.”
The third theme, hard work, reflects the survivors’ determination to succeed academically and socially despite their past. Many of the survivors demonstrated resilience by excelling in school, which in turn reinforced their sense of self-efficacy and confidence.
In addition to the 3H model, Opiniano stressed the importance of reinforcers in the reintegration process: “This model works best when supported by various reinforcers – familial reinforcers from family members, extrinsic reinforcers from the survivor’s immediate environment, and intrinsic reinforcers from within the survivors themselves as they rediscover their morale and confidence.”
The study is part of a project commissioned to UST’s Research Center for Social Sciences and Education by the Philippine office of the international NGO World Hope International (WHI). Roberts Wesleyan University handled the quantitative part, while UST concentrated on the qualitative aspects. Both studies involved interviews with OSAEC survivors that WHI had assisted, aiming to determine post-aftercare outcomes.
But the study also underscores the need for ongoing support from external stakeholders such as NGOs and government agencies. While families play a crucial role, the complex nature of OSAEC recovery requires a multi-faceted approach, including psychological counselling, legal assistance, and community-based interventions.
“The two studies provide more evidence for NGOs and anti-OSAEC advocates like World Hope International to accelerate their efforts. As recent studies and reports show, OSAEC incidents have not slowed down after the pandemic,” Opiniano concluded.
