ABSTRACT
The dynamic nature of information communication technologies has created a unique and complex online environment which can be exploited by offenders to facilitate a variety of criminal behaviours related to child sexual offending (Bryce 2015; Long et al. 2013). The sexual exploitation of children through the production, possession and distribution of indecent images (IIOC) is one category of cybercrime which has emerged as an important enforcement and safeguarding issue (Long et al. 2013). Advances in technology and the widespread adoption of the Internet have created more opportunities for individuals to access and disseminate this material (Al Mutawa et al. 2015; Beech et al. 2008). This has resulted in action by enforcement, government and industry to address the issue. Theoretical and empirical research examining offender and victim characteristics, as well as the relationship between possession or downloading and contact offending (Beech et al. 2008; Bourke and Hernandez 2009; Long et al. 2013), has also informed evidence-based approaches to prevention and response at the national and international level.
