File Type

Project Document

Publication Date

2025

Description

This mixed-method action research developed and pilot-tested a brief, evidence-based remote counseling program for victim-survivors of online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) aged 15 years and older. Building on evidence and stakeholder consultations from Phase 1, the research team developed a treatment manual and remote counseling protocol guided by the Multimodal Social Ecological Framework. The program followed trauma-informed, culturally and developmentally appropriate, and empowerment-focused principles. Three experts with extensive experience in counseling children reviewed the manual before its pilot implementation.

The program comprised eight counseling sessions organized into three modules. Nine registered psychologists trained in the use of the manual delivered the sessions to 30 OSAEC survivors from different regions of the Philippines. The counselors received supervision throughout the pilot. The evaluation used quantitative measures of well-being, therapeutic experience, and trauma symptoms, complemented by interviews with survivors, counselors, liaison officers, social workers, and other stakeholders.

The findings indicate that remote counseling positively affected survivors’ well-being and functioning, particularly their emotional regulation, relationships, and optimism. Stakeholders considered the program innovative, accessible, relevant, and feasible when implemented by competent counselors with appropriate supervision. Its implementation was supported by institutional partnerships, trained personnel, liaison officers, survivor participation, secure technology, stable internet access, private counseling spaces, and technical assistance. However, community-based survivors experienced greater access and infrastructure challenges, and the program’s reach was limited by the availability and readiness of eligible survivors. The report recommends clear government guidelines, sustained inter-agency partnerships, capacity building, adherence to the treatment manual and protocols, continuing supervision, program monitoring and evaluation, and further research, including a randomized controlled trial.

About the Project

The project was conducted by the Social Development Research Center of De La Salle University with funding from The Asia Foundation. It was led by Dr. Maria Caridad H. Tarroja, together with Ma. Araceli Balajadia-Alcala, Dr. Patricia D. Simon, and Agnes B. Villegas. The team was supported by Project Coordinator Gelivic G. Bacalso and Knycolle Jan E. Navarro.

Building on the evidence and protocol developed during Phase 1, the project produced and pilot-tested a structured remote counseling treatment manual and protocol for OSAEC survivors aged 15 years and older. It examined the program’s feasibility, accessibility, implementation requirements, and effects on survivors. The project generated evidence to support remote counseling as a viable aftercare intervention, particularly in areas where access to qualified mental health professionals is limited.

 

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