File Type
Project Document
Publication Date
2021
Description
This study developed an evidence-based protocol for delivering remote counseling to victim-survivors of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). The research team reviewed literature on OSAEC victimization, survivors’ needs and concerns, psychological interventions, and the use of technology in remote counseling. The findings from the literature were validated through interviews with 38 key informants, including OSAEC survivors, non-offending family members, social workers, mental health professionals, government and nongovernment referral partners, and experts in telehealth and data privacy.
The study found that remote counseling could improve access to psychological support and continuity of care, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, its delivery required careful attention to privacy, confidentiality, technological security, informed consent, physical safety, access to appropriate devices and spaces, and the competencies of service providers. Survivors also had diverse experiences and needs requiring individual assessment before intervention.
Guided by a multimodal social-ecological framework, the proposed protocol incorporated individual, family, social-environmental, and systems-level responses. It emphasized trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate, and empowerment-focused care. Its therapeutic goals included establishing physical and psychological safety, stabilizing trauma reactions, strengthening emotional regulation and adaptive coping, developing healthy relationships, and fostering a positive sense of self and future. The study established the foundations for the pre-testing and pilot implementation of the protocol in Phase 2.
About the Project
Phase 1 was conducted by the Social Development Research Center of De La Salle University with funding from The Asia Foundation. The research was led by Dr. Maria Caridad H. Tarroja, together with Co-Investigators Ma. Araceli B. Alcala, Dr. Patricia D. Simon, and Agnes B. Villegas. The team was supported by Project Consultant Maria Christina Salud H. Enriquez and Project Assistant Gelivic G. Bacalso. The study generated an evidence-based framework and protocol for delivering safe, ethical, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered remote counseling to OSAEC victim-survivors.
Recommended Citation
Tarroja, M. C. H., Alcala, M. A. B., Simon, P. D., & Villegas, A. B. (2021). Development of remote counseling protocols for OSAEC victims/survivors [Final report]. De La Salle University–Social Development Research Center.
