“No one so far believes it”: An online mixed-methods study on children who are sexually exploited by their parents in the Netherlands

Background: Parental child sexual exploitation remains a largely invisible and unknown type of sexual exploitation and abuse. However, studies indicate that there is a substantial group of victims of sexual exploitation by their parents who are not yet identified. More insight is needed to identify, protect and provide adequate help for these victims. Objective: This study provides a mixed-methods analysis to gain insight in the nature and scope of child sexual exploitation committed by parents, from the perspective of the victims. It focuses on the phenomenon and family situation, barriers to disclosure, and starting points for care. Participants and Setting: The data consist of 112 chat conversations of victims who sought help in the online helpline Chat with Fier between 2019 and 2023. Here, victims can anonymously share their stories and find pathways for help together with care professionals. Methods: With chi-square tests and Independent Sample t-tests a comparison was made between victims of parental sexual exploitation and victims of sexual exploitation by others. Chat conversations have also been analyzed qualitatively via inductive and deductive coding. Results: For the variables age and duration of exploitation significant differences were found between both groups, with a significant lower age and longer duration of exploitation for victims of parental sexual exploitation. An escalation ladder was found as important risk factor, barriers to disclosure were related to shame, guilt and loyalty. School and social network were identified as starting points for help. Conclusions: The societal care system, including schools, needs improvements to adequately identify and safeguard these victims.